What is the GMO Debate About? A Quick & Dirty Guide to Make Your Own Decision
GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling is a hot topic right now, but it is not easy or quick to understand. I’m here to help with a Quick & Dirty guide to inform you in 5 minutes or less.
What are GMOs and where are they found? GMOs are foods whose DNA has been altered by splicing individual genes of an organism to include the DNA of another organism. They are found in 70–80% of packaged foods. The most common GMO crops in the US are corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets. These GMO crops contain DNA for pesticides, insecticides, or Roundup® (pesticide)-resistant enzmes.
Pro-GMO Perspective: GMOs increase yields, decreasing deforestation and increasing the ability to feed a larger population. GMOs reduce reliance on topical herbicides / pesticides, reducing pollution to water sources. GMOs have been used since the late 1990s with no proven negative impact on health. For example, the Bt (bacillus thuringingiensis) pesticide built into cotton & corn is benign; it is even approved for use in organic crops.
Anti-GMO Perspective: According the USDA’s study, GMO crops have not been proven to definitively increase yields, and in some cases had lower yields than conventional seeds. Adequate testing has not been done to determine if GMOs are safe. Could GMOs and associated pesticides be linked to the rising incidence of asthma, autism, allergies, and other ailments we’ve seen over the past 15 years? Since GMO crop introduction, Roundup® pesticide use has increased 10x on corn, cotton, and soybeans. GMO fields use 24% more pesticides than non-GMO fields. Roundup® has been linked to health issues and inflammation in several studies, though Monsanto (the manufacturer) has often fought these studies forcing them to be retracted.
What is Currently Being Discussed? Should food manufacturers be required to label GMO ingredients? This discussion was spurred when Vermont passed the first law requiring manufacturers to label if GMO ingredients were used in the product. This law goes into effect in July. Most food manufacturers operate in multiple states and separating Vermont inventory is difficult. This means most companies will find it easiest to label all inventory. At a macro level, that means a state of 630k people is forcing a nationwide change. In Senate Bill 2609, the Senate took a look at if a state has the right to impose this requirement. This Bill, which would have nullified the Vermont law, was defeated on March 17. It is still possible for the Senate Bill to be modified and passed. However, in the interim, a number of large companies such as Campbell’s, General Mills, MARS, and Kellogg’s have come forward to indicate they will voluntarily label GMOs.
My Prediction? We’re going to see more large food manufacturers join in and voluntarily label. Consumers are demanding transparency and simplicity in ingredient lists from food manufacturers. In fact, a whopping 91% of Americans support GMO labeling. People want to know what is in their food and make decisions for themselves. Creating individual labeling laws by state would cause a gigantic headache for everyone involved. My hope & prediction is that soon we’ll see the private sector step forward to meet the public sector in creating a labeling standard that works for all involved.
What do I Believe? On the topic of GMO labeling, transparency and enabling consumers to make their own decisions is unequivocally important. Data surrounding GMO safety & effectiveness is inconclusive, and because of that, consumers need to be involved in the decision so they can evaluate the risk for themselves. Personally, I prefer not to risk it. I wouldn’t take a medication that had conflicting efficacy and safety data — and I don’t plan to start here.
