GMO? A Precautionary Tale

Your Right to Know: Action Steps for Concerned Citizens

The food and biotechnology industries care about consumer acceptance of GM foods (15), because we affect their bottom line. A Mars company representative told me: “consumers are our boss.” So, let’s put our advantage to our children’s benefit. Let’s embrace the “precautionary principle” which advises preventive action in the face of uncertainty (16). Here’s how:

1.  Buy organic.

By law, certified organic foods are produced without the use of GMOs.

2. Contact your favorite cereal companies, candy, chocolate and sugar manufacturers.

Let them know you won’t buy their products if they choose to use sugar from GM sugar beets, or any other GMO ingredients.

3. Speak out daily.

Talk to your friends and legislators. Write a letter to the editor; call in to a radio talk show. Share your concerns and knowledge, and exercise your First Amendment rights!

4. Stay informed.

Pick up a copy of “Uncertain Peril,” by Claire Hope Cummings, and suggest it for your book group.