Genetically Modified Food: Some FAQs about GMOs

What does “GMO” mean?

“GMO” stands for “genetically modified organism.” Genetic modification, or genetic engineering, is a highly complex process. It involves introducing foreign DNA into animals or plants. This DNA may come from other animals or plants, as well as viruses or bacteria.[1]

Isn’t that the same as crossbreeding?

The crossbreeding of plants and animals has taken place for thousands of years. Although crossbreeding is influenced by human beings, it occurs in the natural environment. On the other hand, genetic modification always takes place in laboratories.[2]

What is the purpose of genetic modification?

Most commonly, the intention behind genetic engineering is to allow major food crops like corn and soybeans to either (1) produce their own herbicide or (2) develop a resistance to chemical herbicides and pesticides so that farmers can kill weeds and insects without harming their crops.[3] Proponents of genetically modified food argue that the process could potentially increase crop yields, meaning more abundant food supplies and, ideally, less hunger throughout the world.[4] However, despite these lofty promises, studies have shown that this is not the case. In fact, genetically modified crop yields are either equal to or lower than traditional agricultural harvests.[5] If that’s the case, then pro-GMO arguments become null and void.

Who is responsible for genetic engineering?

Companies in the business of biotechnology (biotech for short) have spearheaded experimentation with genetic modification. These corporations — including Monsanto, DuPont, Bayer, Syngenta, and Dow — are some of the largest seed and agrochemical companies in the world.[6] The biotech industry’s overlapping interests in controlling the seed market and ensuring the purchase of proprietary herbicides, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers leave the public wondering about the intentions behind genetic modification. Are they truly idealistic, or is it all about profit?

What does the government say about genetically modified food?

The U.S. government has approved genetically modified organisms for agriculture and human consumption. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims there is no evidence proving the dangers of genetically modified food. However, the studies informing the government’s decision to allow GMOs in the food supply are often funded by the biotech industry.[7] In addition, several biotech industry executives have found positions in government agencies like the FDA, leading to legitimate suspicions of a conflict of interest.[8]

What are some health concerns about GMOs?

If we can learn anything from studies in which animals were fed genetically modified food, GMOs are not safe to eat. Animal subjects showed a range of negative health effects including stomach inflammation, severe organ damage, birth defects, and even spontaneous death after eating genetically modified food.[9] In addition, genetically modified crops rely on chemicals like glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto’s RoundUp herbicide. Glyphosate has been linked to cancer[10] and is especially dangerous to young children.[11] Above all, long-term studies on the health effects of genetically modified food have not been conducted. More research needs to be done in order for GMOs to be considered completely safe.

Several professional medical associations such as the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, the American Public Health Association, and the American Nurses Association have issued at least some recommendations against the consumption of genetically modified food. It’s also worth noting that numerous national governments — including those of Japan, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Hungary, Luxembourg, Greece, Bulgaria, Madeira, and Switzerland, as well as smaller jurisdictions within other nations — have instituted some form of official ban on genetically modified crops.[12]

What are some other concerns about GMOs?

Genetic modification of food doesn’t only pose a threat to human health; it also impacts the environment in negative ways. GMOs and the chemicals that go along with them can kill or mutate animals, insects, and marine life, disrupting entire ecosystems.[13] Because of their natural resilience, many plants have been found to develop resistance to chemicals designed to kill them.[14] This means that in order for genetically modified crops and their corresponding chemical treatments to continue to be profitable to biotech companies, stronger chemicals must be used.[15] Overall, the use of glyphosate and the propagation of GMOs reduces the earth’s biodiversity, decreasing productivity of all ecosystems.

GMOs are also harmful to farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole. Genetically modified seeds are engineered to be sterile. This means that a crop can only be harvested for immediate use as food because any seeds that are saved will not produce in the future. For farmers and indigenous people throughout the world who have been saving seeds for many years, this is a direct way to create dependence on seed companies.[16] Furthermore, because GMOs are patented by biotech companies, non-GMO farmers have actually been sued by biotech firms when genetically modified seed was found on their property.[17] This is despite the fact that the non-GMO farmers did not intentionally steal the seed — it was transported by the wind.

How can I avoid buying and eating GMOs?

Polls have shown that many Americans believe genetically modified food to be unsafe.[18] Many still feel unsure about the risks, but one thing is certain: Americans almost unanimously agree that food containing genetically modified ingredients should be clearly labeled.[19] Growing consumer awareness has made it easier to avoid GMOs in food, but it can still be fairly difficult.

Most importantly, begin to pay attention to the labels on your food. All food that is certified organic is GMO-free. There are also third-party certifications for GMO-free food, such as the Non-GMO Project.[20] If you purchase produce from farmers’ markets, local farms, or community sponsored agriculture programs, be sure to have a candid conversation with your farmers about the sources of their seeds and their growing practices. Many small farms do not use genetically modified seed or chemicals during the growing process but cannot afford organic or non-GMO certification. Visit the farms directly so you can observe as much as possible for yourself. Many farms will be happy to give you a tour.

Finally, some crops have a higher likelihood of being genetically modified than others. If it’s not labeled non-GMO, try to avoid corn, canola, soy, alfalfa, papaya, summer squash, sugar beets, and cotton.[21] Keep in mind that foods like corn, canola and soy are in almost all processed foods in one form of another (e.g., corn starch, soy lecithin, etc.).[22] Read your ingredient lists thoroughly, and when in doubt, buy organic!

[1] “GMO Facts.” Non-GMO Project, 2016, www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/#easy-footnote-3-14.

[2] Kumar, Sunil, and Ashwani Kumar. “Role of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture.” Plant Archives, vol. 15, no. 1, 2015, pp. 1–6.

[3] Duke, Stephen O., & Powles, Stephen B. (2009). “Glyphosate-resistant Crops and Weeds: Now and in the Future.” AgBioForum, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 346–357.

[4] Kumar, Sunil, and Ashwani Kumar. “Role of Genetic Engineering in Agriculture.” Plant Archives, vol. 15, no. 1, 2015, pp. 1–6.

[5] Shi, Guanming, Jean-Paul Chavas & Joseph Lauer. “Commercialized Transgenic Traits, Maize Productivity and Yield Risk.” Nature America, vol. 31, no. 2, Feb. 2013.

[6] Raman, Ruchir. “The Impact of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops in Modern Agriculture: A Review.” GM crops & Food, vol. 8, no. 4, 2017, pp. 195–208.

[7] Diels, Johan, et al. “Association of Financial or Professional Conflict of Interest to Research Outcomes on Health Risks or Nutritional Assessment Studies of Genetically Modified Products.” Food Policy, vol. 36, no. 2, 2011, pp. 197–203.

[8] Meghani, Zahra, & Jennifer Kuzma. “The “Revolving Door” Between Regulatory Agencies and Industry: A Problem That Requires Reconceptualizing Objectivity.” Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, vol. 24, no. 6, 2011, pp. 575–599.

[9] Carman, Judy A., et al. “A Long-Term Toxicology Study on Pigs Fed a Combined Genetically Modified (GM) Soy and GM Maize Diet.” J Org Syst, vol. 8, no. 1, 2013, pp. 38–54.

[10] Avila Vazquez, Medardo, et al. “Association Between Cancer and Environmental Exposure to Glyphosate.” International Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 8, 2017, pp. 73–85.

[11] Bradberry, Sally M., Alex T. Proudfoot, & J. Allister Vale. “Glyphosate Poisoning.” Toxicological Reviews, vol. 23, no. 3, 2004, pp. 159–167.

[12] “Where Are GMO Crops and Animals Approved and Banned?” Genetic Literacy Project, 2021, geneticliteracyproject.org/gmo-faq/where-are-gmo-crops-and-animals-approved-and-banned/

[13] Pérez, Gonzalo Luis, María Solange Vera, & Leandro Andrés Miranda. “Effects of Herbicide Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Formulations on Aquatic Ecosystems.” Herbicides and Environment, vol. 16, 2011, pp. 343–368. Vera, María S., et al. “New Evidences of Roundup®(Glyphosate Formulation) Impact on the Periphyton Community and the Water Quality of Freshwater Ecosystems.” Ecotoxicology, vol. 19, no. 4, 2010, pp. 710–721. Sura, Srinivas, et al. “Effects of Glyphosate and Two Herbicide Mixtures on Microbial Communities in Prairie Wetland Ecosystems: A Mesocosm Approach.” Journal of Environmental Quality, vol. 41, no. 3, 2012, pp. 732–743.

[14] Thornby, David F., & Steve R. Walker. “Simulating the Evolution of Glyphosate Resistance in Grains Farming in Northern Australia.” Annals of Botany, vol. 104, no. 4, 2009, pp. 747–756.

[15] Green, Jerry M. “The Rise and Future of Glyphosate and Glyphosate‐Resistant Crops.” Pest Management Science, vol. 74, no. 5, 2018, pp. 1035–1039.

[16] Ikuta, Benjamin. “Genetically modified Plants, Patents, and Terminator Technology: The Destruction of the Tradition of Seed Saving.” Ohio Nul Rev., Vol. 35, 2009, pp. 731.

[17] Fox, Jeffrey L. “Canadian Farmer Found Guilty of Monsanto Canola Patent Infringement.” Nature Biotechnology, vol. 19, no. 5, 2001, pp. 396–398.

[18] Fink, W., & M. Rodemeyer. “Genetically Modified Foods: US Public Opinion Research Polls.” Media, the Public, and Agricultural Biotechnology, 2007, pp. 126–59.

[19] Hallman, William K. “Consumer Perceptions of Genetically Modified Foods and GMO Labeling in the United States.” Consumer Perception of Food Attributes, 2018, pp. 44–61.

[20] Roff, Robin Jane. “No Alternative? The Politics and History of Non-GMO Certification.” Agriculture and Human Values, vol. 26, no. 4, 2009, pp. 351–363.

[21] Fernandez-Cornejo, Jorge, & Seth James Wechsler. “USDA ERS — Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the US: Recent Trends in GE Adoption.” United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, 2015.

[22] Sönmezoğlu, Ö. Ateş, & H. Keskin. “Determination of Genetically Modified Corn and Soy in Processed Food Products.” Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, vol. 3, 2015, pp. 32–37.