WalMart to Sell Genetically Modified Corn

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August  7, 2012
3 Comments

The jury is still out on genetically modified corn: without extensive study over extended periods, it's hard to know how the alterations in corn's genome will impact human health. The leader in genetic modification, Monsanto, insists that such impacts don't exist - and let's hope that they are right, because they are moving their product to a WalMart near you. 

But is this really something we should be worried about? Turns out - probably not. Fast Co reports that about 80% of packaged food prouducts contain genetically modified corn, soy, or canola in some variety. And because of the lack of labeling standards, you will have no way of knowing whether or not the corn you consume is genetically modified or not.

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The larger issue here is the advantage this gives to Monsanto, and therefore to large farms selling genetically modified corn. Monsanto just secured an exclusive deal with the largest vendor in the world. What will that mean for small farmers? Hopefully they won't have to start selling genetically modified corn (which is often easier to grow) in order to keep up. 

Monsanto Genetically Modified Corn is Coming To A Walmart Near You from FastCo Exist 

 

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • SKK
    SKK
  • JaneHerriot
    JaneHerriot
pmurphy
I love nothing more than a summer tomato (maybe add some balsamic, basil, and home-made mozz). In my free-time, I cook, read about cooking, farm, read about farming, and eat. Food is a basic necessity, but good food ought to be a fundamental right.

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3 Comments

SKK
SKK August 9, 2012
The jury is not out on gmo corn. And the jury is not out on Monsanto. To say 'don't worry about it, it is already in 80% of your food' is an illogical argument. Europe has banned GMO. Here is an interesting article written August 6. http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/08/05/gmo-corn-too-strong-its-own-good?cmpid=tpfood-eml-2012-08-09-restaurants
 
SKK
SKK August 9, 2012
I am still somewhat shocked that Food52 would be reporting an article about GMO corn and Walmart without doing a little more research.
More reading on why the jury is in on GMO http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_26004.cfm
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_26014.cfm
 
JaneHerriot
JaneHerriot August 7, 2012
I've been becoming more and more aware of the growing antipathy towards GMOs, and I have to admit, I just don't understand it. ALL food that is or was once living has genetic material in it! That includes yogurt and cheese (bacterial cultures), vegetables, fruits, bread and anything made from flour (flour comes from wheat, which is a plant, which has DNA), and certainly all meat and seafood. Don't forget beer and wine (both contain yeast)! So I cannot fathom how adding different genetic material makes one single iota of difference. Perhaps someone can enlighten me!