GMO Foods: Good or Bad?
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
For thousands of years, humans have used breeding methods to modify organisms. Corn, cattle, and even dogs have been selectively bred over generations to have certain desired traits. Within the last few decades, however, modern advances in biotechnology have allowed scientists to directly modify the DNA of microorganisms, crops, and animals.
Conventional methods of modifying plants and animals—selective breeding and crossbreeding—can take a long time. Moreover, selective breeding and crossbreeding often produce mixed results, with unwanted traits appearing alongside desired characteristics. The specific targeted modification of DNA using biotechnology has allowed scientists to avoid this problem and improve the genetic makeup of an organism without unwanted characteristics tagging along.
Most animals that are GMOs are produced for use in laboratory research. These animals are used as “models” to study the function of specific genes and, typically, how the genes relate to health and disease. Some GMO animals, however, are produced for human consumption. Salmon, for example, has been genetically engineered to mature faster, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that these fish are safe to eat.
GMOs are perhaps most visible in the produce section. The first genetically engineered plants to be produced for human consumption were introduced in the mid-1990s. Today, approximately 90 percent of the corn, soybeans, and sugar beets on the market are GMOs. Genetically engineered crops produce higher yields, have a longer shelf life, are resistant to diseases and pests, and even taste better. These benefits are a plus for both farmers and consumers. For example, higher yields and longer shelf life may lead to lower prices for consumers, and pest-resistant crops means that farmers don’t need to buy and use as many pesticides to grow quality crops. GMO crops can thus be kinder to the environment than conventionally grown crops.
Genetically modified foods do cause controversy, however. Genetic engineering typically changes an organism in a way that would not occur naturally. It is even common for scientists to insert genes into an organism from an entirely different organism. This raises the possible risk of unexpected allergic reactions to some GMO foods. Other concerns include the possibility of the genetically engineered foreign DNA spreading to non-GMO plants and animals. So far, none of the GMOs approved for consumption have caused any of these problems, and GMO food sources are subject to regulations and rigorous safety assessments.
In the future, GMOs are likely to continue playing an important role in biomedical research. GMO foods may provide better nutrition and perhaps even be engineered to contain medicinal compounds to enhance human health. If GMOs can be shown to be both safe and healthful, consumer resistance to these products will most likely diminish.
The argument for GMO foods:
1. Medline Plus --
Genetically engineered (GE) foods have had their DNA changed using genes from other plants or animals. Scientists take the gene for a desired trait in one plant or animal, and they insert that gene into a cell of another plant or animal.
Function
Genetic engineering can be done with plants, animals, or bacteria and other very small organisms. Genetic engineering allows scientists to move desired genes from one plant or animal into another. Genes can also be moved from an animal to a plant or vice versa. Another name for this is genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
The process to create GE foods is different than selective breeding. This involves selecting plants or animals with desired traits and breeding them. Over time, this results in offspring with those desired traits.
One of the problems with selective breeding is that it can also result in traits that are not desired. Genetic engineering allows scientists to select one specific gene to implant. This avoids introducing other genes with undesirable traits. Genetic engineering also helps speed up the process of creating new foods with desired traits.
The possible benefits of genetic engineering include:
- More nutritious food
- Tastier food
- Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer)
- Less use of pesticides
- Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life
- Faster growing plants and animals
- Food with more desirable traits, such as potatoes that produce less of a cancer-causing substance when fried
- Medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines or other medicines
Some people have expressed concerns about GE foods, such as:
- Creation of foods that can cause an allergic or toxic reaction
- Unexpected or harmful genetic changes
- Inadvertent transfer of genes from one GM plant or animal to another plant or animal not intended for genetic modification
- Foods that are less nutritious
These concerns have thus far been unfounded. None of the GE foods used today have caused any of these problems. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assesses all GE foods to make sure they are safe before allowing them to be sold. In addition to the FDA, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulate bioengineered plants and animals. They assess the safety of GE foods to humans, animals, plants, and the environment.
Food Sources
Cotton, corn, and soybeans are the main GE crops grown in the United States. Most of these are used to make ingredients for other foods, such as:
- Corn syrup used as a sweetener in many foods and drinks
- Corn starch used in soups and sauces
- Soybean, corn, and canola oils used in snack foods, breads, salad dressings, and mayonnaise
- Sugar from sugar beets
- Livestock feed
Other major GE crops include:
- Apples
- Papayas
- Potatoes
- Squash
Side Effects
There are no side effects from consuming GE foods.
Recommendations
The World Health Organization, the National Academy of Science, and several other major science organizations across the globe have reviewed research on GE foods and have found no evidence that they are harmful. There are no reports of illness, injury, or environmental harm due to GE foods. Genetically engineered foods are just as safe as conventional foods.
The US Department of Agriculture has recently started requiring food manufacturers to disclose information about bioengineered foods and their ingredients.
Alternative Names
Bioengineered foods; GMOs; Genetically modified foods
References
Hielscher S, Pies I, Valentinov V, Chatalova L. Rationalizing the GMO debate: the ordonomic approach to addressing agricultural myths. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016;13(5):476. PMID: 27171102 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27171102/.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
US Department of Agriculture website. National bioengineered food disclosure standard. www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/national-bioengineered-food-disclosure-standard. Effective date: February 19, 2019. Accessed September 28, 2020.
US Food and Drug Administration website. Understanding new plant varieties. www.fda.gov/food/food-new-plant-varieties/consumer-info-about-food-genetically-engineered-plants. Updated March 2, 2020. Accessed September 28, 2020.
Review Date 8/20/2020
Updated by: Meagan Bridges, RD, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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The argument against GMO foods --
Various Cons of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s)
1. They might contribute to a rise in allergic reactions
Studies have shown that food-related allergic reactions in kids have risen from 3% to 5% in the last decade. Even though there is no proof supporting the notion that GMOs can cause a rise in allergies, the thought that it may happen has stuck in people’s minds causing them to keep away from genetically modified food.
2. Genetic food can prompt allergic reactions from different foods
GMOs that had bodybuilding nutrients from Brazil nuts were discovered to set off an allergy in individuals who are sensitive to them. Thus, any proteins that come from other foodstuffs must have a listing as part of the components and be tested to find out their capability of causing allergies.
3. GMOs may contribute to antibiotic resistance
GMOs are mostly incorporated with antibiotic-resistant genes so as to make the crops that will grow stronger. It is contemplated but not corroborated that the procedure could be contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
4. Some research has linked GMOs to cancer
A research that was initially published in 2013 showed that herbicide found in Round-up tolerant crops led to the development of cancer in rats. The paper was later taken back by the first journal that published it for having unfounded or deceptive information; however, other journals have printed it since the withdrawal. Thus, a lot of individuals have concluded that consumption of the modified corn could be dangerous to their health.
5. Very few companies are in charge of all the GMO seed market
A lot of the negative energy surrounding GMOs has a tendency to involve Monsato. There are other 5 corporations that, alongside Monsato, are in charge of all the GMO seed market. The companies include DuPont, Sungenta, Agrosciences, Dow, BASF and Bayer.
This implies that a lot of the soya beans and corn are benefiting both the farmers and the companies. To safeguard such revenues, copyrights are required for certain seeds, these have resulted in some legal battles for the farmers that have GMO seeds to cross-pollinate in spite of not cultivating GMOs.
6. Herbicide resistance occurs even without genetic modification
Presently, there are 64 different sorts of weeds that have been verified to be resistant to atrazine. This is regardless of the reality that not any of the weeds have been coupled with GMO crops to promote such a resistance.
Various farmers in the Southeastern United States tend to lose up to half of their produce even when they have planted GMO crops to atrazine-resistant weeds.
7. Autonomous studies are restricted by organizations in control of GMOs
User concurrence with half of the leading manufacturers of GMO seeds forbids autonomous research of the finished good. It aid in protecting the payments they get to make when farmers get to reap yield by using their seeds.
Because the seeds are seen as the property of the corporation, even the unintentional growth of a GMO crop can cause in the necessity to reimburse the company.
8. GMO crops can contaminate other fields
Even though crops have been genetically modified, they still grow the same as other crops. This indicates that pollination is still needed to happen so as the crop can produce the intended “fruit.” For instance, bees play a major role in pollination, meaning they get exposed to the genetic transformations that occur in the crop.
The seeds that are produced can sometimes be extended to other agricultural lands, thus contaminating them. When cross-pollination happens, there is no result that can be predicted for both farms, although soybeans are an exemption because they do not cross-pollinate.
9. GMOs produce superbugs
When pesticides are applied to pests that threaten the growth of crops, a small number of them have a tendency to survive. Hence, the following generation becomes resilient to the chemical, meaning either more pesticides are required or a stronger one. Putting a stronger chemical, the insects become even more resilient; this eventually leads to the growth of superbugs that decrease food provisions.
10. GMOs have the potential of affecting animal protein
The huge majority of the main plants in the United States that are planted are genetically modified. Such crops are subsequently given to livestock as food. Consequently, this affects animal-based groceries.
GMO components can be traced in eggs, milk, seafood and animal muscle tissues. In addition, honey can also contain components of GMO because of bees pollinating genetically modified plants for production.
Regarding the advantages and the disadvantages of GMOs, as seen, there is a lot of disinformation as there is truth. Even though GMOs are able to produce more food, they tend to cause digestive problems along the way. So it is important to address the treatment of GMO seeds, and also farmers should be allowed to use GMO seeds that spread to their farms without fearing lawsuits; this would increase the profits gained from farming.
How Do Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Affect the Environment?
Genetic modification is a contentious issue. The early warnings of environmentalists about the negative impacts of genetically modified (GM) plants are being proven correct. The following serious problems have been observed.
Increased use of Toxic Herbicides & Pesticides
Herbicide-Tolerant Crops and Herbicide Use
Almost 100% of the GM crops grown in Canada – corn, soy, cotton, canola and sugar beet – are engineered to be tolerant to a specific herbicide. Most are tolerant to multiple herbicides. Glyphosate is the top pesticide ingredient sold in Canada, and its use tripled between 2005 and 2011. Between 1994 and 2016, herbicide sales in Canada have increased by 199%.
Data from the US and Latin America also shows that GM herbicide-tolerant crops have increased herbicide use. In the US, scientist Charles Benbrook found that total pesticide use was 24% higher for GM crops than for non-GM crops by 2011. The 2013 report “Soybean production in the Southern Come of the Americas: Update on Land and Pesticides Use” compiles and analyzes specific data on land and pesticide use in the main soybean producing countries of the Southern Cone of South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Insect-Resistant Crops and Pesticide Use
GM insect-resistant (Bt) crops are engineered to produce a toxin that makes the entire plant toxic to some insects, such as butterflies and beetles. In the US, Bt crops decreased the use of insecticides by 124 million pounds between 1996 and 2011.
However, the toxin produced by the plant may also have adverse environmental impacts. Bt crops simply change the way that pesticides are used, from sprayed on to built-in. Overall, GM crops in the US have increased pesticide use by 403 million pounds (183 million kgs).
Herbicide-Resistant Weeds
The increased use of specific herbicides with GM herbicide-tolerant crops resulted in the emergence and spread of herbicide-resistant (HR) weeds, or “superweeds” (currently 37 species of weeds that are tolerant to glyphosate around the world). These are weeds that develop resistance to certain herbicides when they are widely and frequently applied.
As herbicide-use has increased, so has the number and range of herbicide-resistant weeds. GM crops have accelerated and entrenched this pattern because the introduction of herbicide-tolerant crops, particularly glyphosate-tolerant “Roundup Ready” crops, has meant that large areas of cropland are repeatedly sprayed with the same herbicide.
Herbicide-resistant weeds also present economic costs for farmers. In the US, weed management costs in infested fields are 50-100% higher per hectare than in those without glyphosate-resistant weeds. Some weeds have developed resistance to multiple herbicides, making them even harder to control. The spread of HR weeds in turn drives up herbicide use, leading to a “pesticide treadmill” that has serious impacts on environmental and human health.
Superbugs
In May 2019, corn farmers in Canada were observing that the European corn borer, an insect pest, has developed resistance to the genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) trait designed to kill it. This is the first report in the world of the European corn borer (ECB) developing resistance to a genetically engineered trait used to confer insect resistance. It is also the first report in Canada of any insect pest developing resistance to a genetically engineered trait.
The development of resistance in other insect pests targeted by Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) traits in corn has been observed in the US, South Africa and Brazil. Additionally, in the US and other countries, some cotton pests have also developed resistance to Bt cotton traits.
Contamination
GM contamination is the unwanted escape and spread of GMOs or genetic material from GMOs to non-GM plants, animals and foods. This dispersal can occur through a number of ways, including pollen spread and seed escape, and mixing of food and feed. GM contamination is living pollution that can self-replicate.
Such contamination can have negative environmental, social and economic impacts. So far, the impacts have been economic and social – so far, farmers have been the first to pay the price of GM contamination. There have been escape events in Canada with GM canola, flax, wheat and pigs.
Biodiversity
Herbicide-tolerant crop systems have encouraged the use of herbicides that reduce overall plant diversity in agricultural systems and can limit habitat and food sources for other important organisms. Damage to wildlife can be reduced if a small amount of agricultural land is set aside for biodiversity.
Monarch butterfly populations have declined by more than 90% in under 20 years. It is estimated that the butterflies may have lost more than 165 million acres of habitat in this time-frame largely due to the increase in the use of the herbicide glyphosate, which kills the common milkweed that the butterfly needs to breed.
Pollen and other plant parts containing toxins from genetically engineered insect-resistant (Bt) corn are washing into streams near cornfields. Lab trials showed that consumption of Bt corn byproducts produces increased mortality and reduced growth in caddisflies. These aquatic insects are related to the pests targeted by the toxin in Bt corn.
Non-Target Effects
The Nature Institute has established a project called “Nontarget Effects of Genetic Manipulation” to “make evidence about the wide-ranging and never wholly predictable effects of genetic engineering readily accessible to concerned citizens, policymakers, and scientists.”
Despite scientists’ claims, it is impossible to predict the impacts of even a single gene modification. Pleiotropic effects have included alterations in the crop’s nutritional, toxic and allergenic properties.
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How do you know if a food item has been modified?
Identify how produce is grown by reading its label or sticker number.
4-digit number means food was conventionally grown.
5-digit number that begins with a 9 means produce is organic.
5-digit number that begins with an 8 means it is genetically modified. [Wow, who knew?]
Ways to avoid GMO food
How comfortable do you feel consuming GMOs? While the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and regulates their use, you might not want to consume genetically modified food for a variety of reasons. If you live in Europe, avoiding GM foods is easier, since laws require labeling. In the U.S. and Canada, however, food manufacturers are not required to label their food as genetically modified or not. To help you avoid GMOs, we've put together a guide so you can shop for food that you feel good about eating.
1. Buy food labeled 100% organic. The U.S. and Canadian governments do not allow manufacturers to label something 100% organic if that food has been genetically modified or been fed genetically modified feed.[1] You may find that organic food is more expensive and different in appearance from conventional products.
Trusted Organic Certification institutions include the United States Department of Agriculture [(USDA), Quality Assurance International (QAI), Oregon Tilth , and California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Look for their mark of approval on the label of the product.
Also, just because something says "organic," it does not mean that it doesn't contain GMOs. In fact, it can still contain up to 30% GMOs, so be sure the label says 100% organic. Eggs labeled "free-range," "natural," or "cage-free" are not necessarily GMO free; look for eggs that are 100% organic.
2. Recognize fruit and vegetable label numbers. Price lookup (PLU) codes can be found on the stickers that are on your produce. These codes can be used to identify foods have been genetically engineered or modified.
If it is a 4-digit number, the food is conventionally produced. This food may or may not be genetically modified.
If it is a 5-digit number beginning with an 8, it is GM. However, do not trust that GE foods will have a PLU identifying it as such, because PLU labeling is optional.
If it is a 5-digit number beginning with a 9, it is organic and is not genetically modified.
3. Buy 100% grass-fed meat. Most cattle in the U.S. are grass-fed but spend the last portion of their lives in feedlots in which they may be given GM corn, the purpose of which is to increase intramuscular fat and marbling. If you're looking to stay away from GMOs, make sure the cattle were 100% grass-fed or pasture-fed (sometimes referred to as grass-finished or pasture-finished).
Some meats like pork and chicken cannot be 100% grassfed. In those instances, look for meat that is labeled 100% certified organic.
You should also buy wild caught fish instead of farm raised fish. Farm raised fish are fed with genetically modified grains.
4. Seek products that are specifically labeled as non-GMO or GMO-free. It was once rare to find products labeled as such, but thanks to organizations such as the Non-GMO Project, they are becoming more common. You can also research websites that list companies and foods that do not use genetically modified foods, but be aware that some information is often incomplete, and conflicting interests may not be declared.
5. Shop locally. Although more than half of all GM foods are produced in the U.S., most of it comes from large industrial farms. By shopping at farmers' markets, signing up for a subscription from a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, or patronizing a local co-op, you may be able to avoid GM products and possibly save money at the same time.
Shopping locally may also give you the opportunity to speak to the farmer and find out how he or she feels about GMOs and whether or not they use them in their own operation.
Buying local food does not guarantee that you will be avoiding GMOs. Many local farmers use genetically modified seeds.
6. Buy whole foods. Favor foods that you can cook and prepare yourself, rather than foods that are processed or prepared (e.g., anything that comes in a box or a bag, including fast food). What you lose in convenience, you may recover in money saved and satisfaction gained, as well as increased peace of mind. Try cooking a meal from scratch once or twice a week; you may enjoy it and decide to do it more often.
7. Grow your own food. If you grow your own food, you buy seeds that have not been genetically modified. This way, you know exactly what was grown and what went into growing it.
Many websites sell non-GMO seeds. You can visit Seed Savers or Seeds Now to find non-GMO seeds.
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1. Become familiar with high-risk crops. These are the products that are most likely to be genetically modified. Crops that are genetically modified include soy, corn, canola, sugar beets, cotton, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini and yellow summer squash, and alfalfa.
Soy is not limited to actual soybeans. See How to Live With a Soy Allergy for more information on avoiding soy products. Make sure that your soy milk, edamame, and tofu have a 100% certified organic label.
Corn includes corn flour, meal, oil, starch, gluten, and syrup.
Canola oil is also known as Rapeseed oil. This ingredient can be found in a lot of processed foods. If you usually use Canola oil for cooking, try using olive oil instead.
Sugar beets are found in any sugar that is not 100% cane sugar. Make sure you read the label.
Cottonseed oil is a common ingredient in vegetable oil. shortening, and margarine.
Many dairy products contain GMOs. Some farmers inject their cows with a genetically modified hormones rBGH/rBST and/or are fed genetically modified grains. You should look for dairy products that say rBGH or rBST free.
Hawaiian papayas are genetically modified. You should buy papayas grown in other regions like the Caribbean.
We usually do not directly ingest alfalfa. Alfalfa is grown to feed dairy cows and other animals. Both organic alfalfa and genetically engineered alfalfa are grown. You can avoid genetically engineered alfalfa by eating grass fed meat and dairy products that are 100% certified organic
2. Be aware of ingredients derived from GMO crops. Not only are the actual crops genetically modified, but an ingredient that is derived from the crop is genetically modified as well. If you are buying processed foods, you should read the food label and avoid any of these ingredients: amino acids (synthetic form, not naturally occurring in protein), aspartame, ascorbic acid (synthetic vitamin c), sodium ascorbate, citric acid, sodium citrate, ethanol, natural and artificial flavorings, high fructose corn syrup, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, lactic acid, maltodextrins, molasses, monosodium glutamate, sucrose, textured vegetable protein, xanthan gum, vitamins, and yeast products.
About 75% of processed foods at the grocery store contain these ingredients. This includes foods like soda, cookies, bread, and chips. You can avoid these derivatives by cooking your food from scratch and carefully buying your food.
3. Use a shopping guide. There is no way for you to know every food that contains GMOs. If you are unsure, you should consult a GMO food guide. The Center for Food Safety has created an iPhone and Android app that can help you avoid GMOs when you are shopping. You can also download or use their online guide
4. Be careful when you eat at a restaurant. If you eat out, you should ask the manager or your waitress if they use organic ingredients or if they use GMO ingredients. If they do not use organic foods, you should avoid tofu, edamame, corn tortillas, corn chips, and any other products that contain corn or soy. Most of the items containing sugar will contain GMO derivatives.
You should also ask what type of oil is used for cooking. If they say vegetable oil, margarine, cottonseed oil, or corn oil, ask if they can cook your food with olive oil instead.
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