Genetically Modified Foods: Helpful or Harmful?

The topic of genetically modified foods, also known as GMOs, is controversial. Since the first GMO was released in 1994, the public has been exposed to a number of heated debates and books. There have also been lectures and studies. However, people still fall on either side of the issue. Here are some important questions to ask and information you should consider before making a decision on this issue. Also, I have included what to look out for if your preference is to avoid GMO foods.

What is a GMO (genetically modified organism)?

GMOs are created by genetic engineering, which involves transferring genes from one species to another to create a new organism that is not found in nature. This is done to achieve desired traits. Concern is raised by the unintended or potential consequences that could occur in any part of the food chain or eco-system.

Concerns about GM foods

Quantity of processed foods

Many people are exposed to GMOs in a way they don’t like, but may not be aware of it.

Use of herbicides

About 80% GM crops have been designed to tolerate heavy herbicide use (upto 15-fold!) 80% of GM crops were created to tolerate heavy use (up to 15-fold!) GM crops cannot be recalled after they are planted. They have grown in parking lots, highways and on wild fields. It has led to ” Superweeds“, weeds which survive despite herbicides. The impact of superweeds on millions of acres has been documented in 22 states. The World Health Organization has officially classified glyphosate as ” possibly carcinogenic to human beings“.

Lacking biodiversity

When GM crops are drenched in herbicides, the crops may survive but neighboring lands and natural habitats may struggle. One example is the milkweed plant, a major food source for monarch butterflies, that is near extinction in crop fields which leads to monarch butterfly survival challenges.

Common GM foods

The main GM crop that are grown in the world are soybean, canola (cotton), corn, yellow summer squash (zucchini), sugar beet, and alfalfa.

Soybean – Nearly all soy grown in America is GM. It is primarily used for animal feed, soybeans and soybean oil.

Corn_ corn is the most common GM crop in the US. GMO corn is used heavily to feed livestock, as well as making processed foods and sweetened drinks.

Canola-95% of canola are GM. It is used for vegetable cooking oil and margarine, and in processed food.

Potato GM potatoes are designed to reduce pests and diseases, and reduce browning.

Yellow Squash & Zucchini – one of the earliest GM foods available but not as prevalent.

Sugar Beet– 99.9% all sugar beets harvested are genetically modified. Over half the granulated sweetener available in grocery stores comes from these sugar beets.

How to reduce GMOs in your diet

1. Limiting processed foods – Since most processed foods are GM, limit anything that comes in a package or box with a long ingredient list. This is especially true if the food has been sweetened or contains corn oil or vegetable oils.
2. Choose Organic – organic standards Exclude GM Ingredients in their products. The USDA states that this includes organic farmers who plant seeds, organic cattle being fed and organic food manufacturers creating products. Choose organic foods from the list of the “dirty dozen” for the best bang for the buck. This will minimize GMs, pesticide/herbicides residues and GMs.
3. Avoid major GM Crops– avoid non-organic canola and summer squash, as well as corn, potatoes, soybeans, sugar, and soy. This can be achieved by eating more whole, fresh food, choosing organic packaged products and limiting the amount of sweetened foods you consume.
4. Choose Non-GMO Project Verified Seal This hybrid butterfly checkmark logo on packaged food represents the strictest third-party Non GMO verification of the United States.

It is up to you whether or not you limit, avoid, or embrace GMOs.

You can reduce your exposure to GMOs by eating more organic, whole, and fresh foods, and products that are nonGMO Project verified.