Conscious Eating

Waking Up to What’s in Our Food for Just Label It

Guest Blog Post by Mary Waldner
Founder, Mary’s Gone Crackers

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) entered my radar in a vague way many years ago, but came into clear focus when I heard Jeffrey Smith speak on the topic in 2006. He wrote Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette, both of which discuss the disturbing story of genetically engineered (GE) food. I have been an organic advocate and consumer for more than 30 years, so after learning more details about the haphazard introduction of genetically altered food into our environment, I was naturally concerned.

GE foods are banned in most countries in Europe, Japan, and Australia, but not in the United States, as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration determined (without any testing) that there was no appreciable differences between Monsanto GMO seed and any other. U.S. farmers have been growing crops, especially corn, canola and soy, using GMO seed for many years now, without adequate scientific research about the public health or environmental consequences.

Now that I am a manufacturer of certified organic products, I am especially concerned about the contamination of non-GMO and certified organic crops, and the dangerous consequences of this irreversible process.

Because FDA believes that GMOS are not different than any other crops, labeling of GMO foods has never been required. But many believe that since the introduction of GMO foods, there have been increases in food allergies, autism, and autoimmune deficiencies. You can watch this powerful TED video with Robyn O’Brien, author of “The Unhealthy Truth,” who talks about her journey of discovering what’s been going on with our food.

Mary’s Gone Crackers is a certified organic company, and we use only certified organic, non-GMO ingredients in all of our products. By definition, certified organic ingredients cannot be genetically engineered. I am passionate about the preservation of our organic fields and seed supply, and educating Americans about what has been happening to our food supply in the past few decades: From the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that started after World War II, to genetically altered crops. The FDA is even now on the brink of approving genetically engineered salmon for human consumption.

When companies using GMO “food” are required to label their products as such, Americans will have a choice. Right now many of us don’t even know what we are consuming. As we wake up to what’s in our food and how it’s making us sick, I’m hoping that we will move in the direction that other countries have taken and ban GMOs altogether.

At Mary’s Gone Crackers, we support Just Label It as we all work together to educate and inform our communities. As a business, we are taking a stand and asking the FDA to label GE food and we ask that you do the same. Together we’re 800,000 voices strong!