Last week, I reviewed GMOs, what they are, and their pros and cons. If you haven’t read it, you might start with that. Today, I focus on why and how to avoid them.
Genetic engineering has made plants resistant to certain toxins (herbicides), environmental conditions (drought), and pests (insects). As a result, much higher amounts of herbicides are used to kill weeds since they no longer kill the crops. The herbicides, more than the foods, are the concern.
The primary herbicide used contains glyphosate, which is present in Roundup. This chemical has been labeled as “probably carcinogenic” by the World Health Organization (WHO). The concern is that it may increase the risk for certain blood cancers - leukemia and lymphoma. Glyphosate can build up in the body and is filtered by the kidneys. An article published in Environmental Health reviewed 19 studies that looked at glyphosate exposure, either by occupation (farming), environment (living near an area that was sprayed), or in the general population without known exposure. Interestingly, these studies also evaluated household members of those exposed. Their primary conclusion was that this issue needs to urgently be studied in more depth due to
findings of glyphosate levels in the urine of almost everyone studied, whether directly exposed or not, and
children showing higher levels than adults that didn’t drop off as rapidly.
According to the CDC, 81% of Americans have had recent exposure to this chemical. These studies show there is significant exposure to glyphosates; we need to know more about them.
The bottom line is that there are gaps in our knowledge.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has concerns about GMOs in children. This stems from the herbicides used. Although GMO foods have not been found to have ill effects, these foods contain herbicide residues. These herbicides, such as glyphosate, may be health hazards.
The AAP lists the following ultra-processed foods as containing GMOs:
Chicken nuggets
Frozen meals
Hot dogs/corn dogs
Canned or packaged soups
Potato and corn chips
Sweetened cereals
Drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup
Many of the GMO-containing foods have additives made from soy and corn. These fall in the category of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
You can avoid a lot of GMOs by avoiding UPFs.
The Non-GMO Project makes it easier to identify non-GMO products with labeling. Their label has a butterfly, and to achieve that label, the product must undergo third-party testing for unbiased evaluations. The Non-GMO Project is a nongovernment, nonprofit agency. Their website https://www.nongmoproject.org/ has a listing of their verified products. Companies must voluntarily submit their products for evaluation to this organization to be labeled non-GMO.
The butterfly symbol for non-GMO products.
Baby formula and foods should be checked for GMOs. Some formulas contain ingredients from soy and corn (corn syrup, soy milk isolate) that could come from GMO products. A non-GMO label ensures that any milk used in a formula comes from animals fed a non-GMO diet.
Non-GMO labeling does not mean a product is organic. However, organic labeling means the product is organic and non-GMO. Certified organic foods cannot be produced with GMO crops or feed.
Top steps to take to avoid GMOs:
Focus on serving your family whole, natural, minimally processed foods - fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Most fresh and minimally processed foods are not genetically engineered.
Read food labels (more on that next week!). Look for the non-GMO label and for these GMO ingredients:
Corn syrup
Corn oil
Soybean oil
Canola oil
Corn-based thickeners
Caramel coloring
Lecithin
Citric acid
Corn and sugar beet sweeteners
Riboflavin
Xanthan gum
Genetically engineered food may be designated as
Bioengineered (BE) with these labels
GMOs are referred to as genetically engineered or bioengineered and sometimes designated by these symbols.
Decrease consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Decrease sweetened beverage intake.
Buy organic or non-GMO if possible, but simply buying fresh produce is better than processed, whether organic or not.
Wash fresh produce vigorously under running water; friction helps. Even wash produce with skins you will peel. This removes much of the residue.
Avoid using any weed killers, such as Roundup, or that contain glyphosates in your yard.
Avoid any areas you know are being sprayed or were sprayed with pesticides/herbicides.
Focusing on fresh produce and avoiding ultra-processed foods is the best approach. As grocery prices have increased, organic and non-GMO can be less affordable. Increasing fruit and vegetables in the diet is beneficial, whether organic or non-organic. You, the consumer, decide what fits your family’s budget.
Every time you shop, you cast a vote by how you spend your money. The only way we can bring about change is to boycott those foods we know are unhealthy or about which we know very little. Your vote counts. Consumers have power.
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