Do you feed your babies genetically modified MEATS?!

Genetic engineering is a targeted and powerful method of introducing “desirable” traits into animals using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. DNA is the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms.

This month, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final guidance** for industry on the regulation of genetically engineered animals.

This means the FDA can now feed us with genetically engineered animals without telling us. Yummy.

• Q: Will food from GE animals be labeled?

• A: FDA does not require that food from GE animals be labeled to indicate that it comes from GE animals, just as it does not require that food from GE plants be labeled to indicate that it comes from GE plants. However, if food from a GE animal is different from its non-engineered counterpart (for example, if it has a different nutritional profile), the difference could be material information that would have to be indicated in the labeling. Marketers may voluntarily label their foods as coming from GE or non-GE animals, as long as the labeling is truthful and not misleading. FDA has oversight of labeling of fish and seafood, of milk and other dairy products, and of whole eggs in their shells. The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensure that the proper labels are used for meat, poultry, and other egg products.

How does that taste?

If we do not SPECIFICALLY PURCHASE products labeled organic and NOT genetically modified – does this mean we are at risk of eating more genetically modified foods? I guess so.

It’s going to be a lot harder to grocery shop soon, and more expensive, I think.

What can you do?

Consumers looking to avoid meats raised with these substances can seek out certified organic meat. To meet USDA standards, this meat can come only from animals fed organic feed and given no hormones or antibiotics. This ensures that you are eating meat from an animal that was fed a more natural diet, and looking for a locally farmed source of meats lets you question the farmer or butcher about the animal’s diet and method of raising it. It cuts down on the environmental cost of transportation, too.

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