Americans wanting to avoid food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will be pleased to see Proposition 37 pass, if the upcoming ballot unfolds according to Jeffrey M. Smith’s wish.
The author, director and political activist previewed his latest documentary “Genetic Roulette,” followed by a Q&A session on the harmful effects on GMOs in foods, yesterday in The Project Fine Art Zone, a gallery located less than a block off of State Street.
Pamphlets with the phrase “Doctors’ Health Warning: Avoid Genetically Modified Foods,” printed white on red, warned pedestrians passing the gallery of the special event.
“It’s interesting that the [American] biotic industry is shameless in their lie,” said Smith, after explaining a recent scientific study on rats, which resulted in the Russian government banning genetically modified corn. “They are shameless – it doesn’t matter how obviously wrong it is.”
The documentary, which can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube, explained how leading American companies take genes from one species and inject them into the cells of others, such as soy or corn, to make them more resilient to outside dangers. According to the director and others included in the film, these genetically modified products are significantly more harmful to consumers than previously assumed.
“People are getting sicker – what’s changed?” Smith hypothetically asked during the introduction of the documentary. “Well, one thing that’s changed is the food.
“And the most radical change is the genetic engineering of our food supply.”
Smith is currently racing across California, attending similar events in the hopes of making people vote in favor of Prop. 37, which will force food companies to clearly label products containing GMOs.
On this particular event, hosted by nine local artists led by Erika Carter, the humble sized gallery was filled before the movie preview was over. In addition to indulging in organic eats and wine while enjoying displayed art created by the hosts, many guests were eager to question the director about the harmful food products.
Present in the audience was 85-year-old Ron Robertson, a former City College art instructor, WWII veteran and political activist, who refused to consider himself retired. He said that he believes leading companies, in coalition with representatives from the American government, are hiding the truth about the hazards of GMO-containing food.
“The average American says ‘don’t disturb my comfort zone, don’t upset me’,” Robertson said, referring to how unsuspecting U.S. citizens are allowing this to happen.
During his Q&A session, Smith expressed a similar attitude towards the industry, which he allegedly described as corrupt and greedy.
“They don’t want people to think that it’s dangerous [GMOs], so they’re putting up this huge disinformation campaign,” he said. “So they’re trying to confuse us, by telling us that labeling is confusing.”
On the list of products containing significant amounts of GMOs, Smith pointed out corn, soy and sugar beets as the most dangerous ones, in addition to Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and yellow squash. He also explained how feeding livestock with GMOs, potentially could result in meat, dairy and egg products that are unhealthy for human consumers.
When the director asked the audience to share its experiences with adapting to a non-GMO based diet, several members replied positively. Decreased responses to allergies, better skin and loss of intestinal problems were some of the reported cases. “More energy,” said another person.
Smith also gave the audience a few extra guidelines on how to eat healthier, in addition to avoiding the major food groups containing GMOs.
“What works for a lot of people, is where they have a lot of control, which is what they bring home,” he said. “So you may want to say ‘No GMOSs in the house’.
“If you’re going out to a restaurant, you can’t go to fast food places; you have to go to places that cook from scratch.”
