What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic engineering is a relatively new procedure applied to foods in the 1990's. Genetic engineers transfer genes between species--genes can be taken from any plant, animal, insect, bacterium or virus, and inserted into a plant grown for food. For instance, a gene that secretes an insecticide has been moved from a bacterium into corn. Traditional breeding can only transfer genetic traits, like those for color, between the same or closely related species, such as apples and pears.

What's genetic engineering got to do with the foods in my supermarket and my family's diet?
By now, most of us have already eaten genetically engineered (GE) foods. More than 60% of all processed foods contain GE corn, canola or soy. These include many breakfast cereals; pancake, muffin, and cake mixes; salad dressings and margarines, veggie burgers; cookies, chocolate and tortilla chips; and infant formulas. Unprocessed whole foods are being affected, as well. Already, 46 GE grains, oilseeds, vegetables and fruits are approved for the marketplace, including some corn, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, radicchio and papayas, and many more await commercial approval.

Are GE foods safe?
We can't be sure, because the technology is so new, and these foods have been rushed onto our dinnerplates without labeling or adequate longterm safety tests. U.S. government regulators and biotech companies say GE foods are safe, but some research shows worrisome impacts on plants and wildlife. There's also potential harm for people with rare food allergies.

How can I tell if the foods I eat contain GE ingredients?You can't, because the U.S. government doesn't require that they be labeled. Because of this, we're essentially shopping in the dark.

What can I do about it?Join Mothers & Others' Shoppers' Campaign on Farms, Food and Genetic Engineering, which seeks to demand testing and labeling of GE foods beforethey are further introduced into the environment and onto our grocery shelves. GE foods have only arrived very recently on the marketplace, since 1993, and we still have the time and opportunity to change government and company policies by making our voices heard. As a tool of the campaign, this Consumer Action Kit provides information on GE foods and actions you can take to protect our right to know what is in our food.

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