GMO controversy heating up as Kashi cereal comes under scrutiny

Thursday, March 28, 2013 by: Lance Johnson
Tags: Kashi, GMO, ingredients

(NaturalNews) Genetically modified crops were designed to be more resistant to drought and pests, but many scientists say it's too early to know their side effects. Even as 90 percent of soybeans, corn, and canola in the U.S. are grown with transgenic seeds, 93 percent of consumers want these GMO products labeled. The consumer wants to make a healthy informed decision, demanding transparency, honesty, and respect for human life.

Sadly though, the Kashi brand, part of the Kellogg's company, has waged war against the consumer's right to know. Kashi spent nearly $800,000 fighting Proposition 37, the California ballot initiative for GMO labeling. Kashi was part of a $46 million campaign to silence the consumer's right to know.

Kashi's excuse

Kashi was exposed back in October of 2011 when the Cornucopia Institute tested Kashi's GoLean cereal and found that it contained 100 percent genetically engineered soy.

Kashi excuse: "Factors such as pollen drift from nearby crops and current practices in agricultural storage, handling, and shipping, has led to an environment in North America where GMOs are not sufficiently segregated."

So why does Kashi contribute nearly $800,000 to keep consumers from knowing? Don't they want to be honest with the consumers? If they won't be honest, then retail stores will be.

Green Grocer boycotts Kashi

A New England grocery store, Green Grocer, decided to remove Kashi from their shelves, replacing the cereal with a sign that reads,

"You might be wondering where your favorite Kashi cereals have gone. It has recently come to our attention that 100 percent of the soy used in Kashi products is genetically modified, and that when the USDA tested the grains used there were found to be pesticides that are known carcinogens and hormone disruptors."

The picture went viral on the internet, making it obvious: people want to know what's in their food.

Kashi now states it's working with the non-GMO project

Health-minded consumers feel betrayed by the organic Kashi brand. In order to gain the consumer's trust again, Kashi may need to be tested by an independent third party, one that is not funded by Kellogg's themselves. To regain consumer's trust, Kashi says they are now working with the non-GMO project.

"We're excited to share an update on our work with the Non-GMO Project, North America's only third-party verifier of non-GMO foods. Seven of our foods are now officially Non-GMO Project Verified including Autumn Wheat, Cinnamon Harvest, Island Vanilla, Strawberry Fields, 7 Whole Grain Flakes, 7 Whole Grain Puffs and 7 Whole Grain Pilaf. This is the first step in our phased approach, and we're committed to this journey!"

Decisions to ponder as consumers push forward with their right to know

It's imperative that consumers do not give up and believe that all crops are cross pollinated and contaminated with GMOs. There are organic farmers. There are other options. There is honesty to be had in the world, and the consumers must stand together to demand it. Consumers possess the most powerful tool - decision by strength in numbers. Consumers can:

• Muddle along and trust Kashi, eating the seven varieties of "non-GMO" cereal
• Wait for a third party to step up and shed some more light on Kashi
• Proactively make alternative choices, realizing that Kashi uses 100 percent genetically modified soy in its cereal
• Pressure their retailers to hold manufacturers accountable and have the GMO lies brought into the open, as Green Grocer did in 2011
• Petition, boycotting Kellogg's and the Kashi brand until some honesty is rendered

To sign the organic consumer's association boycott:
http://salsa3.salsalabs.com

Sources for this article include

http://salsa3.salsalabs.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com
http://www.allvoices.com
http://article.wn.com

About the author:
Passionate about holistic wellness, Lance Johnson and his wife invite you to www.allnaturalfreespirit.com, where you can buy clean, chemical-free body care products.