GMO: genetically modified organisms.
Genetically Modified Organisms are created by taking Genetic Material from 2 different sources and combining them into one molecule. They're created by taking certain traits from the organism they came from and supposedly make something else better. The first patented GMO was created to help clean up oil spills.
It is estimated that GMOs are in 70% or more of the processed foods on grocery store shelves. Commericial production of GMO corn, soybeans, canola, papayas, and cotton has been approved by the FDA and at least one of those crops are in a large percentage of processed foods, They are not labeled as GMO. The HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) in most soft drinks in the United States very likely comes from GMO corn. Products that have soy in them, including soy milk, are likely to have GMOs in them.
Meats and dairy products on grocery store shelves, including beef, pork, turkey, chicken, processed meats, etc. are likely to have come from factory-farmed animals using rGBH hormone.
Any processed food may contain GMOs. Foods that contain corn, soy, papaya, canola, sweet corn, and any ingredients derived from those crops are likely to contain GMOs. Even foods that are organic have a chance of having a small amount of GMOs. Meat is likely to have been given genetically modified growth hormones, and to have eaten feed containing GMOs.
Most kinds of foods that are sold commercially are not GMO. Mostly, corn, soybeans, canola, and cotton are GMOs, but there are also non-GMO varieties. GMO corn and soybeans are widely grown, at least in the United States. Though most other foods sold commercially are not GMO, that can change over time.
The only well-known genetically modified foods are corn, soy, canola, papayas, cotton. sweet corn, crookneck squash, and sugar beats. Other foods, such as tomatoes and potatoes, have been genetically engineered, but they are not approved for commercial sales.
Corn, soy, canola, cotton, tomatoes, potatoes, wheat, squash, and other foods are genetically modified. More and more foods are being genetically modified yearly, There are non-genetically modified varieties of all of those foods, though some cross pollination of GMO and non-GMO varieties may occur during pollination, Most other foods are not genetically modified.
Corn, soybeans, canola, and papayas are all known to be genetically engineered and being grown and sold commercially.
Israel is not against genetically modified food, but most Israeli food comes from Europe. Therefore, GMOs are rare in Israel.
Yes, the public should know if the food they buy contain GMOs.
There is no evidence that GMOs have improved food production.
There are no foods that contain corn, soy, canola, papayas, or any foods that are known to have been genetically modified that can be guaranteed NOT to contain any GMOs, not even foods labeled "100% organic" or foods on the Non-GMO Project's list of non-GMO foods. This is due to GMO varieties cross-pollinating with organically grown crops, which has resulted in the possibility, if not probability of organically grown foods having small amounts of GMOs in them. The foods on the Non-GMO Project list can actually contain up to 0.9% GMOs (as stated on the Non-GMO Project's website).
Non-organic food is not necessarily bad for you, though it can contain GMOs, preservatives, artificial food colorings, and other additives that are bad for you.
Organic and GM food is not exactly opposite, but foods that are grown and sold as "100% organic" cannot intentionally contain GMOs. It is possible, though, that cross pollination of GMOs with organic crops of the same kind could happen unintentionally.
Science Diet dog food may or may not contain GMOs. If a particular type of Science Diet contains soy or corn in any form the likelihood that they are GMO is almost certain. Science Diet uses the word "natural" to describe their products, but in the food industry, it can mean almost anything. What it definitely does not mean is "GMO free" or "organic."
There is no known information that indicates GMOs are easier to grown than non-GMOs.
Non-organic foods often contain additives, GMOs, preservatives, etc. which may not be good for health.
If the food is grown without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides and does not contain GMOs, it is organic. There is a good chance that it least some food grown in Ecuador is grown organically.
There is no way to know for sure, since GMO ingredients are not labeled in the United States. However, if the product contains corn, soy, canola, or papaya in any form, the likelihood that the food contains GMOs is high.
GMOs (genetically modified food) may create allergies.