What is non-GMO and why is it so important for your child’s formula? Non GMO means non-genetically modified organisms including foods. So what is genetically modified foods and why are they considered a health hazard? And why does Sammy’s Milk work to keep our formula non GMO?
The Dec. 2018 National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.
GMOs are bioengineered foods, that the USDA categorizes as “those that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature.”
In nature, cross breeding often occurs, but the genes of GMOs have been manipulated or modified in an unnatural way. Scientists argue that GMO products have higher yields, are more durable and easier to manage. In fact they say the benefits far outweigh the issues brought up by anti-GMO activists. With respect, we need to mention that those same scientists admit they are acting in their own best interests. Yet we also have to admit there is a lot of term blending and confusion regarding GMOs.
What GMOs Are and Are Not
GMO is not the term that refers to selective breeding of plants or animals. For instance, strawberries created from cross breeding North American native strawberries and a South American native species aren’t GMOs. Cross breeding does not automatically need to be a cause for alarm. GMOs are created by using biotechnology to create combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes not found in nature. Traditional cross breeding methods do not create GMOs.
GMO Foods – Safe or Hazardous?
GMO (Genetically Modified organism) foods have been available to American consumers since the early 1990s. In spite of that, there is still not enough credible, independent long-term feeding studies to confirm the safety of GMOs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are striving to make sure GMOs are safe. Pending further information, consumers have concerns and a general distrust of them.
How GMOs End Up in Other Foods
Livestock, such as goats eat plants, some of which can be GMOs. Common GMO plants include alfalfa, canola, corn, cotton, papaya, soy, sugar beet and yellow summer squash and Zucchini. If goats were fed GMO products, their milk would contain GMOs. Sammy’s Milk cares about the distinction.
Sammy’s Milk is Non GMO
Sammy’s Milk goat milk comes from goats that eat a variety of natural vegetation and supplemented feed grown on the farm or sourced from local organic sources. Our goats are well cared for, in good health and have housing when they want it. Our label says Non GMO on it because we carefully maintain the quality standard in our formula.
When you are trying to figure out which food in the store contain GMOs, consider two clues. Most processed packaged foods contain ingredients from common GMOS like corn, soy, canola and sugar beet. If those crops are grown in North America they are likely to be genetically modified.
If the food is non GMO, the producer usually states that on the label. That’s why you will the words non GMO on each Sammy’s Milk pouch. We are proud to provide a quality healthy product for your family.