There are 64 countries that have labeled GMOs and several that have completely banned them. Here is a timeline and list of countries and continents that chose to label.
- 1998 Europe
- 2001 Japan, Australia, New Zealand
- 2002 China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea
- 2003 Thailand, Indonesia
- 2004 Brazil, Venezuela
- 2005 Taiwan
- 2006 Russia, India, Chile
- 2011 South Africa
So why doesn’t the U.S. label? Money! The big chemical companies fighting for patents and increased pesticide, herbicide and insecticide chemical use make a lot of money. AND this money feeds government pockets. Other countries are more concerned with the health of their citizens.
Another reason is, not enough people here know about GMOs or have been given misinformation. Genetic engineering is a process of injecting the genes of one species into another species. This is very different from natural cross-breeding within the same species. GE foods are linked to the increased allergies we see in children, especially anaphylactic allergies causing death. Research demonstrates tumors in animals exposed to GE foods. Infertility is linked to GE Foods. And gastrointestinal issues are strongly related to GE products.
Its upsetting to hear misinformation being shared because it confuses the American public. What you can do is avoid the main GMO crops: corn, soy, cottonseed oil, canola, beet sugar and dairy products that are not organic. Labeling would make it much easier to avoid these products, so we have to vote with our purchases. As companies notice a drop in sales they will want to avoid GMOs in their products and choose labeling so the consumer will buy their goods.