Look for the Butterfly ~ Non-GMO Verified

Last month President Obama signed weak and flawed legislation into federal law that addresses GMOs in foods. It is called the DARK (Deny Americans the Right to Know) act by those of us who believe we have the right to know what's in our food. It is a win for big chemical and biotech corporations, but a blow to the American family and the hope for a food supply that is healthy and transparent.

It is also a stain on our republic as it erases any laws that states enacted (like Vermont) that require food labels to identify GMO ingredients. Plus it seems to be a clear violation of the 14th Amendment, as it would allow corporations to use QR codes instead of clear packaging on labels.

Basics of the GMO Labeling Bill (aka DARK Act)
Let's break it down:

• The words "GMO" or "genetic engineering" will NOT be required to be anywhere on the package.
• 95% of the ingredients that are GMO will NOT be included in the "labeling."
• The "labeling" that will be "required" is an option of a QR code, a telephone number, website or symbol. 
• There will be no fines for not complying, so claims that this law is "mandatory" are simply false.
• Vermont's state law (which which would have gone into effect his year) to label GMOs is pre-empted.
• CT, ME and VA that have pending GMO labeling laws have also been pre-empted.

The law is highly discriminatory as well. Many senior citizens, minorities, low income and rural residents do not have access to wi-fi, Smart phones or cell reception. Thus it appears to be a violation of the 14th Amendment.

So you see just how bad and empty this law is? Pathetic comes to mind.

Did someone say, "The system is rigged"?

So much for the rights of the American citizenry vs Big Business. It is very sad indeed.

Read a more thorough analysis by the Cornucopia Institute and how the Organic Trade Association (OTA) betrayed consumers, organic farmers and the many organic-related industry associations, plus what might happen going forward.

Meanwhile, the Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organization, created with the cooperation of food manufactures wanting to demonstrate that their foods do not contain GMO ingredients has been growing its list of Verified products.

What to Look For To Protect Your Family
Even though the battle to clearly label is lost, there is plenty to be thankful for. The process of putting forth federal and state legislation has brought widespread public awareness of GMO foods and what it is.

So what do you do now?

1. Look for the Non GMO Project Butterfly on foods you choose.
2. Buy foods labeled Organic which must be free of GMO ingredients.
3. Eat a clean diet (food that contains NO artificial ingredients—chemicals, preservatives, additives, colors and GMOs)
4. Buy produce from the Organic section.
5. Buy from local farmers, but ask them about their farming practices (what do they put on the crops and when) 

This business of food is big in our world today. With cancer and other disease on the rise and so much in our environment we cannot control, we must be vigilant to put the purest and best into our bodies—It's the fuel (mostly plant-based) that makes our bodies healthy and able to heal from disease.