1. What is a GMO?
A genetically modified organism (GMO)
is a living organism whose genetic
material has been artificially manipulated
in a laboratory through genetic
engineering.
February 10, 2016
How does genetic engineering work?
When genetically engineering a plant, a gene from one organism
(or a specific variety of organisms) is transferred to another organism
using recombinant DNA methods. The new gene then becomes
integrated into every cell of the organism and is inherited by the
organism’s offspring. The resulting organism is referred to as
“transgenic” because it has genes from one or more unrelated species.
Plant breeders may also use other methods to induce variation in
an organism’s DNA. Since the 90’s scientists have been known to use
chemicals to cause DNA mutations in order to create an organism
with a specific trait. X-rays and gamma radiation have also been used
to create mutations. Wheat, rice and grapefruits are the most
common radiated products that are being sold on the market. Some
traits that genetic engineering creates in organisms include resistance
to viruses and oils with a healthier fatty acid profile, which is seen in
soybeans.
Some GMOs are engineered to be able to withstand herbicides. This
allows for farmers to use chemical pesticides without killing the crops.
The foreseen benefit is to deal less with weeds, although sickness from
pesticides may affect farmers and consumers.
Are they safe?
At this point, there is no reliable
evidence proving that GMOs pose
any health risks. Food-safety tests
conducted by genetically engineered
seed producers and government
organizations like the FDA have not
found any evidence of harm,
including allergic reactions.
Americans have been consuming
genetically engineered foods since
1996 with no reported ill effects.
However, since GMO consumption is
not monitored, adverse effects such as
food allergies could go undetected.
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What if I choose to avoid
GMOs?
1
Even though genetically
modified foods are deemed as safe,
some people may choose to avoid
eating foods and ingredients that
have been tampered with.
Purchasing foods with the right
label and from the right source can
help one to avoid GMOs.
In the United States, labeling
foods that have been genetically
modified as “GMO” is not
required. In essence it is not as
simple to look at a food and to be
able to determine if it is organic or
not. To be sure that a food is
organic, look for the USDA
organic label.
2
If a product has been certified
“organic,” then the ingredients
in that food product cannot
come from genetically modified
crops. Organically grown foods
will contain either no or only
negligible amounts of genetically
modified ingredients.
3
The center for Science and Public Interests: www.cspinet.org
U.S. Department of Agriculture: www.usda.gov/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: www.fda.gov/
For more information on GMOs please visit:
GMO Top 5 Crops
o Soybeans
o Corn
o Canola Oil
o Cotton
o Sugar Beets
GMO Top 5 Benefits
o Herbicide resistance
o Pest resistance
o Enhanced flavor and
nutrition
o Drought resistance
o Virus/ fungal resistance