Guest post by Jennifer Markowitz MS RD, a Clinical Dietitian in the Nutrition Department at The Mount Sinai Hospital.
Genetically modified organisms are foods or animals produced via gene manipulation. The result of genetic modification is an organism that contains a combination of genes from plants, animals, or bacteria. The most common food GMOs in the U.S. include soy, cotton, canola, corn, sugar beets, Hawaiian papaya, alfalfa, and zucchini. GMOs, however, may also be present in ingredients such as xanthan gum, sweeteners, and natural and artificial flavorings that are commonly found in processed foods.Why genetically alter an organism?
Genetic modification allows genes to be transferred from one organism or species to another thereby creating an organism with a select combination of genes that could not occur naturally. When it comes to genetically modified foods, the most desirable genes are ones that will confer greater durability including enhanced resistance to bacteria, herbicides, disease, and spoilage. Genetic modification may also contribute to lower production and purchasing costs, enhanced nutritional value, better flavor, and higher crop yield. According to the World Health Organization, genetic modification is intended to benefit both producers and consumers.
How common are GMOs?
GMOs might be found in over 70% of processed foods in the US, and are most often in foods that contain a soy derivative.
Are GMOs different than conventional foods?
Most national authorities do not believe that GMOs are different from their traditional counterparts in any meaningful way.
Are GMOs safe?
Potential risks of genetically modified foods entering the commercial food system include the possibility to invoke allergic reaction, gene transfer from foods to body cells or to gastrointestinal microbacteria, and the possible migration of genes from modified plants into conventional crops. To date no studies evaluating the long-term impact of engineered foods on individuals or on the environment have been conducted. The FDA requires GMOs to meet the same legal requirements that apply to all foods and believes that GMOs are as safe as comparable traditionally grown foods. Furthermore, the FDA states that all goods currently on the market have passed safety assessments are not considered likely to impose risks on human health.
So what’s the big deal?
Unlike countries such as Australia and Japan, the US currently has no laws requiring companies to label products containing genetically modified organisms. This is in part due to the fact that the FDA has determined it has no basis for concluding bioengineered foods present different or have greater safety concerns than conventionally grown foods. Public concern largely stems from fear based on the lack of substantiated evidence proving that GMOs have no negative impact on physical or environmental health. Additionally, consumers who are advocating for transparency feel they have a right to know how their food is grown or produced in order to make informed decisions.