Many Americans Eat Biotech Foods Unknowingly

A survey conducted by the Food Biotechnology Program at the Rutgers Food Policy Institute found that even though genetically modified ingredients are present in about three quarters of processed food products in the US, most Americans are unaware of them. Less than half the people surveyed knew that biotech products were being sold.

Many products made from grains contain modified components. Over 80% of soy and 40% of corn in the US are grown from genetically altered varieties. Many processed foods contain starches, fats or other elements from these crops. Genetically engineered fruits and vegetables are in the works, but few have entered the market.

There have been no reported cases of illness resulting from the consumption of biotech products, but critics contend there is no system in place for people to report such concerns. Labelling is not required for most foods containing modified ingredients in the US, something consumer groups have been advocating for a long time.

Link: ‘Frankenfoods’ go unnoticed from The Detroit News

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 3:24 PM on April 22, 2005