What we’re seeing on supermarket aisles today is a lot different than in the past. More and more aisles are filled with synthetic GMO dairy products. The appearance of GMOs didn’t just bring changes in food technology, but it also changed our diets.
GMOs have long been the topic of debate and controversy and have been banned in almost 20 countries in Asia, Europe, America, and America. Despite the ongoing bans, genetically modified dairy products are somehow still making their way into our stores and homes.
Perfect Day is a company that pioneered the use of 3D milk proteins to create synthetic dairy products. They describe this method as “precision fermentation”.
They claim it’s an innovative form of genetic engineering. These GMO proteins have already been included in some popular brands of ice cream and other brands, but without any clear labels so that consumers can be informed.
What Do They Even Mean: “Synthetic Biology” & “Precision Fermentation”
When synthetic GMO dairy is mentioned, synthetic biology and precision fermentation are two terms that pop up. The former is a type of genetic engineering.
Unlike traditional GMOs, where the genes are transferred or modified between different organisms, this process involves the creation of new genetic sequences. It’s a method for making synthetic milk proteins. However, its impact on the health and well-being of the environment is still unknown.
The latter is a process for the manufacturing of synthetic proteins. Some companies like Perfect Day claim that this is a more sustainable and ethical option than traditional dairy farming.
But, this method operates in a gray area when it comes to regulations. Insufficient safety tests and a lack of mandatory GMO labels are keeping consumers in the dark about the foods they’re eating.
Worries Around Unknown Compounds
Research done by John Fagan, PhD, discovered 92 unknown compounds in tested synthetic milk.
None of them has been studied to determine their safety. The low transparency and lack of regulation concerning these products raise questions about their effects on human health.
Considering the low transparency and the presence of synthetic GMO dairy on market shelves, it’s important to learn which brands are selling synthetic dairy and pay more attention to the ingredients we put into our shopping cart and later in our bellies.
13 Brands to Avoid: Risk of Synthetic GMO Dairy Presence
- Nick’s Ice Cream and Cool Haus
These brands use synthetic dairy proteins in their products.
- Brave Robot Ice Cream
Known for the abundance of flavor options, this ice cream brand uses synthetic dairy proteins.
The lack of GMO labels is preventing consumers from making an informed decision on whether to buy these products or not.
- Cowabunga and Whey FWRD
The products sold by these brands contain synthetic whey protein.
- Strive and Bored Cow
This brand markets its products like traditional dairy alternatives; however, they contain synthetic dairy proteins whose effects on overall health and well-being remain unknown.
- Modern Kitchen and Nurishh
These brands sell fake cream cheese and are an example of how far synthetic biology has become a part of the dairy industry.
- JuiceLand Smoothies and Apollo
These brands offer smoothies and milkshake proteins and they emphasize the inclusion of synthetic GMOs into a variety of products, not just in ice cream.
- Renewal Mill and CO2COA
The types of products where synthetic dairy is present are increasing. This brand has them in vanilla cake mixes and chocolate bars (fake eggs and milk proteins).
How to Include Organic Dairy in Your Diet?
The first step is to transition gradually. This is essential if you’re new to the world of organic dairy. The first step may be as simple as making a shift to organic cheese or milk.
Another good way to start using organic dairy is to apply it to recipes. They won’t just enrich the taste but also prevent the use of synthetic dairy GMOs in your diet.
And, the next time you’re in the supermarket, check the labels to notice any additional or unfamiliar ingredients that you may not want to include in your diet.
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