Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is a very highly debated topic. People are often scared of the idea of genetically modified food, and are quick to believe things that are untrue. Here are 5 things that you need to know about GMO foods to be an educated shopper and consumer.
1. There are Only 10 GMO Foods Commercially Available
These foods are: alfalfa, apples, canola, corn, cotton, papaya, potatoes, soybeans, squash, and sugar beets. This means that most of these crops (corn, alfalfa, and soybeans) do not directly impact consumers in the store as they are used as feed for animals. You may see GMO-free labels on other products in the store, but keep in mind that these products are not genetically modified in the first place. This chart lists the reasons that products are genetically modified to help better understand the reasoning behind the process.
2. GMOs are NOT Unhealthy
GMOs have been on the market for around 20 years. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) did an extensive study in 2016 and determined that based on all evidence studied, there were no cases of which GMOs contributed to illness or death of an individual. They determined that there was no significant difference between genetically modified foods and those which are produced using conventional methods in relation to human health.
3. GMOs Do Not Increase the Price of Food
GMO crops are created because they often counter different diseases and problems that arise with conventional methods of growing crops. This allows for them to be cheaper to produce, because less measures are taken to prevent disease and the crop is more likely to survive. This allows for the prices to be reduced because there are more of the product available since the crop can now grow extremely well. GMOs also help us feed the growing world population. Without them, the cost of food would skyrocket because there would be a limited supply. GMOs help keep the cost of food in check.
4. GMOs are Actually Good for the Environment
Environmental treatment is becoming a large concern for many people around the world, and the main goal is for industries to become more sustainable. GMOs help farmers be more sustainable because they can help conserve water, indirectly improve air quality, and reduce soil erosion. GMOs that are herbicide tolerant are super beneficial because farmers do not have to till the soil, which reduces erosion. If the soil is not displaced by a tractor, less of it will be washed away during rain. This also allows for the soil to hold more moisture because it is not constantly being overturned, which means that these crops can be watered less, thus conserving water.
5. GMOs Do NOT Harm Pollinators
There has been some argument that GMOs are part of the cause for Colony Collapse Disorder in bees, but there have been many studies done on insect-resistant genetically modified crops and their proteins. None of these studies have shown that there is any harm done to pollinators from these plants. The EPA does recognize that there are herbicides that can potentially be linked with problems to beneficial pollinators, but studies show that genetically modified plants are not correlated with these herbicides.
It is important to be an educated shopper and consumer when thinking about labels on your food. I could do a whole series on labels that are misused and confuse shoppers, as there are many out there. GMOs are just one. Next time you go to the store and see a non-GMO sticker on your strawberries or bananas, you can be an educated shopper and understand that there are no genetically modified versions of these fruits anyway!
All facts in this article come from this website. To read more information about GMOs and being a smart shopper, check out this website or do a simple Google search!