Molokai Mom on a Mission-GMOs

Community Contributed

Opinion by Mercy Ritte

What is a GMO?
In simple terms, a GMO, or Genetically Modified Organism, is an organism that has been changed by injecting it with genetic material from another species. Commonly known GM foods include corn, soybeans, canola and cottonseed.

Are GMOs safe?
Let’s just say that according to Nongmoproject.org, 30 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all of the countries in the European Union, have set major restrictions or banned the production of GMOs, because they have not been proven safe.

A study performed on rats fed Monsanto’s Bt corn for 90 days resulted in “significant changes in their blood cells, livers, and kidneys, which might indicate disease,” according to Jeffery Smith, author of “Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Engineered Food.” In 2003, approximately 100 people living next to a Bt cornfield in the Philippines developed skin, respiratory, intestinal reactions, and other symptoms while the corn was shedding pollen. Also interesting to know is that “when given a choice, several animals avoided eating genetically modified food,” noted Smith.

How can I avoid GMOs?
The main thing is to know what to look for. For about two weeks now, a Non-GMO Shopping Guide has been circulating through out the community. The purpose of this guide is to help individuals and families identify and avoid GMO ingredients. Begin by paying attention to food labels especially products that do not specify certified organic or non-gmo. More importantly educate your children and get them involved. See if they can identify GMO ingredients while shopping together.

If you have not received a ‘Non-GMO Shopping Guide’ and would like one for yourself please email mercy@molokaimom.com. I would be more than happy to mail or bring it to you.

To learn more, check out nongmoproject.com and organicitsworthit.org.

GMO-free recipe:
Avocado Sandwich, shared by Keoki Gandeza

Ingredients:
2 slices of 100% Organic Whole Grain bread (found at the Outpost)
1 T of Non-GMO Original Vegenaise (found at the Outpost)
3 slices of Locally Grown Avocado
2 pieces of Kumu Farm’s Certified Organic Lettuce
2 slices of Locally Grown Roma Tomato

Directions:
If you prefer your sandwich with a little crisp, pop it into a toaster or if you’re like me and you don’t own a toaster, place in a cast-iron pan and toast it on the stovetop. When both pieces are nicely toasted, spread 1 T of vegenaise on each slice of whole grain bread. Next, layer 3 slices of avocado, 2 pieces of lettuce and 2 slices of roma tomatoes on one slice of bread. Close your sandwich with the other slice and enjoy!

For a free sample of this delicious avocado sandwich, please come by Kualapu`u Market on Friday, June 1 at 5 p.m. If you would also like to share a simple GMO FREE recipe please post it on facebook.com/MolokaiMOM or email mercy@molokaimom.com.