When you go grocery shopping, you may notice that certain foods are labeled as “non-GMO.” But what does this mean? And why should you care?

GMO stands for “genetically modified organism.” Scientists have learned how to extract genes from the DNA of a certain plant (or animal, bacteria, etc.) and essentially force them into a different plant. A GMO food is one that has had its DNA genetically changed, typically to accomplish a particular goal.

Why Do Scientists Want To Modify Plant Genes?

It’s tough to grow crops when the farmers have to constantly fight the encroaching weeds. This is one of the main reasons for the astonishing increase in GMO seeds in the last few decades.

The corporate giant Monsanto, for example, has created a version of corn that is genetically modified to survive being sprayed with Roundup. The idea is that the glyphosate in Roundup will kill everything except the corn plants. And it works very, very well.

So What’s The Problem?

Here’s the problem: Human beings aren’t corn plants. We aren’t genetically engineered to withstand the effects of glyphosate. Although Monsanto has claimed for years that Roundup doesn’t harm people, many studies suggest otherwise. In fact, a significant number of workers exposed to Roundup have later developed a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

What Foods Contain GMOs?

There are countless foods on the market that contain GMO ingredients. However, here are three of the most prevalent:

• Corn (corn oil, cornmeal, etc.)
• Soy (tofu, soybean oil, soy milk, etc.)
• Sugar (sugar beets, white sugar, etc.)

Our Firm Stands Up For Those Injured By Toxic Substances

Questions about GMO foods, toxic exposure and cancer? We encourage you to call Wallace & Graham, P.A. at 888-698-9975 or contact our lawyers online. The initial consultation is free, so don’t wait.

From our office in Salisbury, North Carolina, our attorneys represent injury victims across the U.S.