'American Academy of Pediatrics' Recommends Avoid GMO Food, Opt for Organic
"A major benefit of organic food is that it substantially reduces dietary exposure to pesticides," the report reads.
A new clinical report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains the risks associated with GMO (genetically modified organism) foods and recommends families purchase only organic products or those labeled as non-GMO.
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The authors are AAP fellows, those pediatricians who have achieved board certification and have reached the pinnacle of membership within the organization.
The report indicates that families are increasingly raising questions about the use of GMO-containing food products.
It notes that GMO products are widely found in the U.S. food supply.
While one of the purported purposes of genetically modifying food is to increase its micronutrient content, this does not happen in the U.S.
Moreover, the use of the carcinogenic herbicide glyphosate in GMO crops has risen “exponentially.”
“Although GMO technology could be used to increase the micronutrient content of foods, this does not occur in the United States,” the report reads. “Instead, GMO technology has been used to make crops resistant to chemical herbicides.”
The use of these herbicides in GMO food production occurs despite the World Health Organization (WHO) International Agency on Research for Cancer’s determination that glyphosate “is a probable human carcinogen.”
In fact, Bayer, the multinational pharmaceutical and agrochemical company, was recently ordered to pay a substantial $2.25 billion following a jury’s decision connecting its glyphosate-containing herbicide, Roundup, to cancer.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also recently confirmed that glyphosate is detected in 80% of Americans 6 years and older via urinary sampling.
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The report explains the health risks associated with glyphosate:
“Prenatal exposures to glyphosate are reported to be associated with increased risk of preterm birth and in utero endocrine disruption in children, but the impact of glyphosate residues on child health remains complex and incompletely understood,” the authors write.
Since measurable quantities of glyphosate are present in some GMO foods, the AAP is recommending that families who wish to minimize GMO food products “can do so by focusing on a dietary pattern of primarily whole, plant-based foods while minimizing ultra-processed foods.”
“Families who desire to completely avoid GMO products can do so by purchasing organic products or those labeled as non-GMO based on third-party testing,” the report reads. “Organic farmers are not allowed to use GMO seeds, GMO animal feed, GMO ingredients or conventional pesticides, antibiotics in farm animals, sewage sludge, and irradiation.”
The report also advises schools and hospitals that are “dedicated to the care of children” can “consider avoiding serving GMO foods to minimize glyphosate exposure when alternatives are available and affordable.”
The report authors emphasize that pediatricians “play a vital role” in their efforts to support families through shared decision-making and should be equipped with an awareness of GMO-related and organic food labeling.
“Pediatricians who counsel families will find it helpful to be aware of the distinctions between organic, non-GMO, and bioengineered labeling. Organic labeling (which also guarantees non-GMO status) and the new bioengineered labeling standards and processes are regulated by the USDA,” they write.
Since January 1, 2022, GMO foods meeting certain criteria (there are many exceptions for smaller food companies, restaurants, and travel-based food distribution) must be labeled as GMO-containing,” per the report.
You can download the full report here:
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By chance, did the AAP recommend to avoid products with the APEEL label???
Shared to TS Natural Health Group. Well done.