What You Need to Know About GMOs

Authored by Jesse Haas

There has been a lot of talk about GMO (genetically modified organism) crops and foods in the past couple of years. In the U.S. GMOs have entered the food system untested, while 64 countries around the globe have total or partial bans. Consumption of GMOs has consistently increased so that now approximately 80% of processed and packaged foods in the U.S. contain GMO ingredients, such as corn, soy, canola and dairy that is supplied by cows given genetically altered hormones to increase production.

Recently the conversation about GMO labeling has reached a frenzied pitch with passage of H.R. 1599 (aka the DARK - Deny Americans the Right to Know - Act) which prohibits mandatory GMO labeling and allows GMO ingredients into foods labeled as "natural." If this bill passes the Senate we will be unable to learn what is in our food.

What are GMOs

Identifying genetically modified foods is important to people for different health reasons, which I'll outline below. But first, let's back up and talk about what a GMO is. Foods that have been genetically modified are created in labs by taking genes from one species or organism and inserting them into another to obtain or enhance certain characteristics. Historically we accomplished this by cross-breeding or hybridizing (hello, honeycrisp) but were never able to do so cross species. For example, we can't insert genes from an animal into a plant without the use of advanced technology. 

The traits that are most prevalent among GMO crops is herbicide resistance, specifically to Roundup. Inserting this pesticide into the seed makes it possible for the plant to produce its own pesticide. Additionally, crops engineered with genes from certain bacteria are able to survive frequent and/or heavy application of herbicide to kill weeds in the field.

Health Concerns

Animal testing for the safety of GMO consumption is not required. However many independent feeding tests have been done. Here is what we know: rats given GMO foods have 2-3 times the death rate of the control group. Additionally, researchers have found:

• Cancerous growths
• Kidney failure
• Infertility
• Altered patterns of gene expression
• Pancreatic dysfunction
• Heart and liver enzyme depletion
  

• Increased infant mortality
  
• Liver inflammation
• Food allergies
• Immune system dysfunction, and
• Erratic body weight
  

In addition to these human health concerns are environmental concerns that will also have long-term effects on our wellness.

Alright, So What Now?

As a consumer you have one way to ensure your food is not genetically altered: buy organic. And while, I'm thankful that option is available to us I don't think that it's good enough. What about the consumers who don't have access to organic foods? Or can't afford them? Our health is incredibly important. What we know about GMOs is not good and there's more that we don't know.  

Right to Know Minnesota - of which I (Jesse) am a coalition member - has proposed a bill that would require mandatory labeling of foods containing GMOs. A similar bill was passed in Vermont. This effort is null if the DARK Act passes. If you feel inclined to raise your voice in opposition, contact your Senator (find them here). 

Learn More

Here are a couple good articles you can peruse to fact check and learn more:

• State-of-the-Science on the Health Risks of GMOs (This is also the main reference for this article; other references are hyperlinked within the text.)
  
• Biotechnology Food: From Lab to a Debacle
  
• Grist Series: Panic-Free GMOs

Jesse Haas is a co-founder of Wellness Minneapolis, Board Certified Holistic Health Coach, and a Certified Massage Therapist. She is also pursuing a MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. Click here to learn more about Jesse.