Genetically modified sugar in Halloween candy

It is always important to know where are food is coming from and how it is processed. Food labels are more helpful these days as they include calories, ingredients and whether the food is organic or not. However, one area that is not being labeled is genetically modified ingredients. There are several products that are genetically modified (GM or GMO) such as corn, soy and now sugar beets. The manufacturers, specifically Monsanto, of the GM seeds are lobbying hard to prevent any labeling for consumers. This has been an ongoing issue for several years.

With Halloween around the corner, it was brought to my attention that there are two candy companies, M&M/Mars and Herseys who are ignoring a September 2009 ruling by a Federal Court that GM sugar beets should never have been approved for introduction into the food supply without better environmental impact studies. So, be aware that most if not all of the Halloween candies from these companies have GM sugar beets as an ingredient.

Be educated and be healthy.

Happy Halloween!

For more information:

Reuters news organization's article covering September ruling against GM sugar beets and Monsanto

SF Gate's November 2008 coverage of the upcoming 2009 GM sugar beets ruling

Seeds of Deception newsletter by leading expert on GM foods, Jeffrey M. Smith covering GM sugar beets in January 2008

Center for Environmental Health and Care2's coverage and petition against GMO sugar beets

Flu and Cold 101

With the school year in full swing and H1N1 is making its mark, it is time to think about germs again. With greater contact along with the change of weather, colds and flus show up again. Believe it or not, viruses and bacteria can live up to 2 hours or longer on surfaces such as cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks. But, there are many ways to prevent germs from spreading to your household too often.

1. Advise your children to avoid close contact with those who appear sick.

2. If your children are sick, keep them home. They will feel better faster and you will not spread the infection. This is especially important with the spread of H1N1 since it seems to be contagious a lot longer than seasonal flu.

3. Teach your children to cough and sneeze into their elbows instead of into their hands. This will avoid spreading germs by hand contact.

4. Model effective and frequent hand washing - wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

5. Have hand sanitizers available when washing is not possible. Keep them in your car, in your purse and in the sports bag. If your children have been playing soccer, gymnastics or any other after school sport and need a snack once in the car, you will need hand sanitizers first!

6. Teach your children to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth since these areas lead to the quick spread of germs.

Although flu vaccines are in short supply, call your healthcare provider to see if they have vaccines available, especially for your children who are considered high risk.

For more information, contact your healthcare provider and see the CDC web site for seasonal flu and H1N1 info.