Know Your GMOs

A genetically modified organism (GMO), genetically engineered organism (GEO) or genetically engineered (GE) food—it’s all the same thing, under different acronyms—is typically a plant that’s had its genes altered, which is how you get things like golden rice fortified with vitamin A, pesticide-producing corn and “terminator” seeds that force farmers to buy new ones yearly from companies like Monsanto, which produces the majority of genetically modified seeds and crops in the world.

Proponents—including the U.S. government—say GMOs are harmless. Opponents point to studies that link these so-called “Frankenfoods” to food allergies and other health problems, as well as the high levels of pesticides and herbicides that many GMO plants are designed to tolerate.

A full 85% of U.S. corn production is genetically modified; the same can be said for soy (91%), cotton (91%), canola (85%) and sugar beets (95%), not to mention the milk, meat and eggs from animals that eat genetically modified feed.

Despite the fact that 60 other nations label GMOs, and that 93% of Americans want labeling (according to a New York Times poll), it is not yet required by the federal government. In the meantime, look for USDA Certified Organic foods, which are guaranteed by the government not to contain GMOs. Bonus!

This entry was posted on Monday, January 13th, 2014 at 7:53 am. It is filed under Sustainability and tagged with food, gmo. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.