Kaiser Permanente, the largest managed healthcare organization in the United States, has published a newsletter advising members to avoid GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in food.
In a Fall 2012 newsletter, Kaiser provided this guidance: “What do soda, canned chicken soup, margarine, and corn flakes have in common? They all contain genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. GMOs have a piece of DNA from a different species, such as bacteria or viruses, spliced into their DNA. Genetically engineered corn, for example, has DNA added so that it has a pesticide built right into it. This process creates a new species of plant that would have never occurred in nature.”
The $47 billion corporate giant continued: “Despite what the biotech industry might say, there is little research on the long-term effects of GMOs on human health. Independent research has found several varieties of GMO corn caused organ damage in rats. Other studies have found that GMOs may lead to an inability in animals to reproduce.”
The article encourages Kaiser’s 9 million members to “limit… exposure to GMOs.”
None of this is particularly revolutionary, and the organization still says it has no “official policy” on the GMO issue. But it is the first time that a health care company of this size has publicly encouraged consumers to avoid GMOs. And it is another piece of evidence that the tide is turning.
Americans may still see mandatory labeling of GMOs, and see it soon.
© 2012 • FOOD REVOLUTION NETWORK • http://www.foodrevolution.org
In a Fall 2012 newsletter, Kaiser provided this guidance: “What do soda, canned chicken soup, margarine, and corn flakes have in common? They all contain genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. GMOs have a piece of DNA from a different species, such as bacteria or viruses, spliced into their DNA. Genetically engineered corn, for example, has DNA added so that it has a pesticide built right into it. This process creates a new species of plant that would have never occurred in nature.”
The $47 billion corporate giant continued: “Despite what the biotech industry might say, there is little research on the long-term effects of GMOs on human health. Independent research has found several varieties of GMO corn caused organ damage in rats. Other studies have found that GMOs may lead to an inability in animals to reproduce.”
The article encourages Kaiser’s 9 million members to “limit… exposure to GMOs.”
None of this is particularly revolutionary, and the organization still says it has no “official policy” on the GMO issue. But it is the first time that a health care company of this size has publicly encouraged consumers to avoid GMOs. And it is another piece of evidence that the tide is turning.
Americans may still see mandatory labeling of GMOs, and see it soon.
© 2012 • FOOD REVOLUTION NETWORK • http://www.foodrevolution.org
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