Editor, The News:
I am writing in response to Dan Banov's misinformed opinion on GMO labelling. (The News, Aug. 1)
Banov is wrong, GMO foods must be labelled as such because they are not equal to real food.
GMO means "genetically modified organism" and GMO crops have been fundamentally changed from the original plant.
For example, there are several strains of GMO corn – some have been engineered to produce a specific pesticide to kill insects that feed upon the crop, while others strains are engineered to be immune to the large quantities of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides which need to be heaped upon them throughout their growing season because the pests have become resistant.
GMO is not just creating a tomato that is a different colour, it is much more than that, and animals know instinctively to avoid eating GMO food. They won't eat it because it is not good for them.
It is my understanding that Canada does not grow any GMO crops, for which I am grateful.
I watch this issue very carefully because I don't want to feed any genetically modified produce to my family.
I wouldn't even want Dan Banov to eat it.
Laurie Geschke
Maple Ridge