This article on GMOs (genetically modified organisms) is a two-part series. Once I began researching this topic, the information was too much for a single article. Today’s article explains GMOs, what they are, their development, and their pros and cons. Next week, I will review how and why to avoid them.
GMOs - What are They?
A tomato being injected with needle and syringe. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are made in the lab by changing its DNA.
A GMO is a genetically modified organism or living thing - plant, animal, or microorganism - scientifically engineered to change its DNA. A gene from one organism with a desired trait is taken and inserted into the DNA of another organism, to give that object the desirable trait. Genetic engineering is different from crossbreeding or other processes that could occur in nature. Genetic engineering is not a natural process.
Creating genetically engineered organisms such as plants has become common in food manufacturing. Introduced in the 1990s, GMO plants are more resistant to drought, herbicides, and insects. A genetically modified plant can be easier to farm and produce more crops than plants susceptible to environmental hazards.
So, more resistant plants mean a better harvest and more food supply, right?
Yes and no is the short answer. Yes, these crops can be made tolerant of things they previously succumbed to (like drought) or not be killed by insects that attack them, but there is a cost.
To produce a GMO, the gene of one organism is transferred into an entirely different living thing. For example, to create insect-resistant corn to use less pesticides, the gene from a bacteria living in the soil with this resistance is inserted into the DNA of the corn - from bacteria to plant. Thus, genes can be moved from one plant to another, one animal to another, or an animal to a plant.
Photo of corn and corn oil in flask and test tubes. Corn and its products are some of the most common GMOs.
What Foods are GMOs?
The primary GMO foods in the US are corn, cotton, and soybeans, but there are numerous others. The ten currently allowed in the US include:
canola
corn
cottonseed
alfalfa
apples
papaya
potatoes
soy
sugar beet
zucchini.
Over 90% of canola, corn, and cottonseed oils, soybeans, and sugar beet in the United States are GMO.
Some of these (corn and soy) are used for animal feed or to make processed ingredients such as corn syrup, corn starch, sugar, molasses, cellulose, corn, canola, and vegetable oils, and more.
Corn and soy products are in many processed foods, so if not labeled non-GMO, you can be pretty sure it contains GMOs. Since these components are additives, up to 75% of grocery store items are estimated to contain GMOs.
Pros and Cons
In addition to growing drought and disease-resistant plants that require less water and pesticides, other advantages include:
More food supply at a lower cost
Longer shelf-life of food
Less use of pesticides due to resistance to harmful insects
Faster growing plants
Less waste of plant foods
Greater tolerance to herbicides making weed control easier
Higher yields of crops can reduce the cost of these foods
May allow food to be grown in areas with less desirable soil and environmental conditions
Thus far, there is no evidence that GMO foods are more nutritious.
Some concerns about GMOs include:
Creating foods with new toxins or causing allergic reactions
Possibly unanticipated harmful genetic changes
Transfer of genes from an animal to a plant that is not intended
Possible undesirable effects on humans consuming these foods, like increasing antibacterial/antibiotic resistance.
Uncertainty as to whether these GMO foods are more or less nutritious
Long-term effects are unknown since GMOs are relatively new
Since most GMO-grown food is herbicide tolerant, herbicide use has increased. Estimates show that Roundup use has increased significantly since GMOs were introduced.
Monsanto originally made Roundup, then Bayer acquired Monsanto. Bayer-Monsanto is one of the four chemical companies that control over 60% of the world’s seed and pesticide supply. Farmers who use these seeds must pay these companies since these companies own the rights to the seeds. It is difficult for farmers to use any seeds not owned by these companies. In addition, farmers have to use herbicides/pesticides which suit the crop - herbicides made by these same companies! These crops are "Round-up ready".
Since the introduction of GMOs, herbicide use (especially glyphosate herbicides such as Roundup) has increased more than 250-fold in the US. Worldwide use has also increased. The GMO herbicide-resistant seeds and the herbicides are often sold together.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has concerns about GMOs in children. This concern stems from the herbicides used. Since GMOs are more herbicide-resistant, herbicide use has increased dramatically. Although GMO foods have not been shown to have ill effects, these foods contain herbicide residues. These herbicides, such as glyphosate, are health hazards and are considered “possibly carcinogenic” for some blood cancers (leukemia and lymphoma). An article in the Journal of Pediatrics last year reviewed GMOs and the Academy’s concerns for children, primarily from the toxic herbicide residues on these products.
The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) determines if GMOs are safe before they can be sold. However, the process of approving food additives without testing or research makes me reluctant to believe this process is foolproof. Their evaluation is often limited and should require many years of research. Few studies have looked at long-term effects or effects in children whose organs are still developing. Thus far, no side effects from consuming these foods have been reported.
The lack of evidence that something is unsafe does not prove safety.
Since January 2022, some products made with GMOs have had to be labeled. Not all products, and not with the term GMO, but with the word bioengineered. Not having this label does not mean that a product is non-GMO. Additionally, animal products are exempt, even though GMO crops (corn and soy) are mainly used as their feed (for cattle and chickens). Any product with 5% or fewer GMO ingredients does not require labeling.
There is also a non-GMO label. Non-GMO means the product is not from genetic engineering, nor are any ingredients from GMOs.
Now that items are labeled bioengineered or non-GMO, I wonder why. Are there problems with GMO foods of which we are not yet aware? Many countries have banned or restricted GMOs, similar to food additive bans in other countries, but still allowed in the US. I am a skeptic when it comes to our regulatory processes keeping our food safe.
Being labeled organic is different from non-GMO. If something is certified organic, typically it is also non-GMO. Not all non-GMO products, however, are organic.
The good news is that most GMO-produced food is for animal feed or biofuel, not human food. Most GMO products in human food are in processed ingredients, such as oils, sugars, preservatives, and emulsifiers.
I prefer sticking with natural foods and ingredients, although it is nearly impossible to avoid GMOs since they are so pervasive. My purpose in writing these articles is not to create worry or panic but to educate. Education is your best tool in choosing wisely. No harmful effects have yet been reported by consuming GMOs, but studies are ongoing.
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