An issue that has been receiving more and more press recently is that of food products which are genetically modified (GM). In general, this is an issue which has thus far been confined to grains and crops which have been altered genetically in some way to produce disease-resistant crops which may have a larger harvest, or which have specific desirable characteristics (seedless fruit, for example).
Although there has been widespread debate over whether genetically modified foods are harmful to humans, as well as whether we should interfere with the natural evolution of plants, there has not as yet been any conclusive evidence to support either side of the debate. As so many people feel strongly about avoiding GM foods, it has become common for producers to label their products with ‘Non-GM’ or ‘Non-GM fed’. This is important for the egg industry, as some producers may choose to feed their laying chickens genetically modified feed as it is generally cheaper. There is the concern that if chickens are fed GM feed, the eggs that they produce may pass on any effects of the GM food to humans that eat the eggs. If this is something that concerns you, a number of producers are now clearly labelling their products ‘Non-GM fed’.
Of course the best way to avoid the problem of genetically modified foods, as well as any other negative effects past on by pesticides and vaccines is to buy organic produce. Some poultry producers vaccinate their chickens against disease, and it is a common complaint that chickens are dosed with antibiotics to cut down on illness and poor quality eggs. Likewise, in order to guarantee that grain crops used to feed the chickens are healthy, farmers and producers may use pesticides to eliminate the problem of disease. This is also of concern as many believe the effects of the pesticides may be passed on to the birds, and then on to humans. If any of the issues mentioned above concern you, buy organic! Generally the term ‘organic’ refers to a lack of pesticides, vaccines and antibiotics used in the production process.
Of course the best way to avoid the problem of genetically modified foods, as well as any other negative effects past on by pesticides and vaccines is to buy organic produce. Some poultry producers vaccinate their chickens against disease, and it is a common complaint that chickens are dosed with antibiotics to cut down on illness and poor quality eggs. Likewise, in order to guarantee that grain crops used to feed the chickens are healthy, farmers and producers may use pesticides to eliminate the problem of disease. This is also of concern as many believe the effects of the pesticides may be passed on to the birds, and then on to humans. If any of the issues mentioned above concern you, buy organic! Generally the term ‘organic’ refers to a lack of pesticides, vaccines and antibiotics used in the production process.