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What are Genetically Modified Organisms?

People tend to fall in one of three categories when it comes to GMOs – love, hate or I have no idea what that is.

Even more controversial than Pat's versus Geno's and Coke versus Pepsi, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are getting a lot of press lately. People tend to fall in one of three categories when it comes to GMOs – love, hate or I have no idea what that is.

What is a GMO?

GMOs are plants, animals or microorganisms that have had their DNA altered in a way that would not have been possible naturally. This allows specific genes to be transferred from one organism to another or between totally unrelated species. The magic method that makes this possible is called recombinant DNA technology. GMOs are designed to be virus resistant, which protects the plants and increases crop production. This allows farmers to use fewer pesticides and weed killers.

The most common genetically engineered (GE) foods are corn, soybeans, cotton, canola, sugarbeet, alfalfa, papaya and squash. It is estimated that there is at least one GE ingredient in most processed foods. Most of the country's soybeans and corn are genetically modified, with the majority used to produce animal feed, high fructose corn syrup and soybean oil. Flax, wheat and rice may also be GE.

The "I love GMO" Side

The FDA guarantees that GMOs on the market right now are safe. They report no difference in nutritional quality of GMOs compared to traditionally grown plants and no increased risk of allergy or toxicity. GE foods must meet the same safety requirements as foods bred traditionally.

Supporters argue that Americans have been genetically modifying food, plants and animals for generations (think seedless watermelon and golden doodles). Genetic engineering implants desirable characteristics to improve food production, quality and durability. It may be used to prevent vitamin deficiencies, produce insulin for diabetes treatment or enhance production of medications. It may also be possible to use genetic engineering to rid foods, like peanuts and shellfish, of their specific allergenic proteins.

The "GM-NO" Side

The technology to create GMOs is very new – less than 20 years old – and there are concerns that the genetic combinations cooked up in a lab may not be so safe and stable in the real world over a long period of time. More than 60 countries have restrictions or complete bans on GMOs.

Milk, eggs, wheat and soybeans are some of the most common food allergens in America, which also happen to be some of the most common GE foods. There is concern that if genes are transferred from commonly allergenic sources to non-allergenic recipients, people will have more significant allergic reactions to more foods.

According to the Non GMO Project, over 80 percent of GMOs are engineered for herbicide tolerance. This has increased the use of toxic weed killers (think Roundup) by up to 15 times since the birth of GMOs and has also created "super weeds" and "super bugs" which require an even more toxic poison.

Labeling

Until recently, there was no law requiring food manufacturers to disclose GMO content. The Non-GMO Project developed a GMO-free seal that acts as an "independent verification for products made according to best practices for GMO avoidance." As of now, "GMO-free" and comparable claims are not legally or scientifically regulated. The USDA has developed the first government certification and label for GMO-free products, though it is not available just yet.

Do organic foods have GMOs?

The use of GMOs is prohibited in organic products. However, there are different levels of "organic."

  1. 100% Organic: food must contain 100 percent organically produced ingredients and no GMOs.

  2. Organic: at least 95 percent of the content is organic. The other <5 percent must be approved on the USDA's National List. GMOs are NOT on this list, so these foods are usually GMO-free.

  3. Made with Organic: at least 70 percent of ingredients are organic and the remaining ingredients are not genetically engineered.

The bottom line?

Sigh, we don't know. GMOs may pose a safety concern that we have yet to discover. Or they may be a beneficial scientific advancement. For now, you'll have to make your own judgment call until further research can be conducted.

Kerri Link Heckert, a registered dietitian at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, has been in the fitness and nutrition industry for the past 7 years. She is a yoga instructor (RYT-200), ACSM certified Health Fitness Specialist and certified personal trainer. She earned her Masters at Drexel University and currently lives in the Philadelphia suburbs.