GMO vs Non-GMO
What is GMO and Non-GMO anyway? GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. What does this mean when we talk about food? In short it means a plant, animal, or microbe has had one or more changes to the genome. Another words, the plant or animal has been modified through engineering techniques. Is this good or bad? It really depends on your perspective but here is some information for you to consider.
Genetically modified food has been changed in some way. Many times, this is to improve flavor or the look of the food, making the color more vibrant or the size more appealing to the eye. The aim of some of the modifications are to repel specific insects, or to withstand glyphosate (weed killers) while controlling weeds in the crops. Some people feel this is good. There are fewer pesticides being sprayed on the plants and less erosion to the land due to less need for continual weed control, and fewer crops lost in the process. GMO technology is also used to manufacture some medications such as the HPV vaccine, and the bacteria used to make insulin.
On the flip side, if an insect won’t eat the plant or food being grown, do I want to eat it? Let’s explore this some more. There are research studies that indicate correlation of GMO foods and increased food allergies, antibiotic resistant viruses and diseases (superbugs), inflammation, cholesterol synthesis, and GI issues. That is quite a list, but remember correlation isn’t always the cause. Here’s some things to consider. Some research says that genetically modified food decreases healthy bacteria in the gut which can disrupt digestion. There are many studies, and no real determination has been endorsed. In terms of allergies, there is conflicting data surrounding if modified plants are really contributing to food allergies through protein modification. Maybe yes and maybe no, but the CDC reported that food allergies in children increased from 3.4% from 1997-1999 to 5.6% in 2009-2011 which coincides with the early years of GMO foods.
According to Healthline, current GMO crops grown and sold in the USA are corn, soybean, canola, sugar beet, alfalfa, cotton, potatoes, papaya, pineapple, summer squash and some varieties of apples. Previous to 2022, there was no mandate on labeling GMO foods. Even so there isn’t a uniform way to identify GMO labeling. There may be a scannable URL or symbol that indicates GMO ingredients were used in the product, but you will need to look for it as it’s unlikely to say GMO or bioengineered. Another interesting note is that GMO foods are banned or greatly restricted in Europe. With that said the subject is still under debate and continued impact assessments are under way.
Beyond GMO and Non-GMO
Dr. Jeffrey Smith has an interesting video surrounding a process called staging. Staging is a process where farmers spray glyphosate (an ingredient in Roundup which is a class 2A carcinogen) on wheat, barley, oats, and beans to speed up maturation and dry it down. This reduces weeds and mold and speeds up harvest.
Keeping this in mind, organic products must be produced without artificial pesticides, genetic modification, or petroleum-based fertilizers. Animals must be raised on organic feed, and without growth hormones. Land used for organic growing must be free from prohibited substances for at least three years. Any use of treatments, supplements or fertilizers must be from the national list of allowable substances. Based on what I have learned and read about GMO, Non-GMO, and staging processes, I have chosen to eat organic and non-GMO products as exclusively as possible.
Shopping for organic and non-GMO products can be found in almost all grocery stores to include Walmart and Target, but the selections may vary from store to store. I will note that Whole Foods and Trader Joes reportedly have policies of carrying no GMO foods. Check it out and let me know if this doesn’t hold true or not your experience. So far, it’s held true when I shop.