While the language in this article might seem definitive, it reflects personal experiences and opinions, not medical advice, and you should always consult a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle; note that AI tools were used to help create this content.
The term "GMO" is short for Genetically Modified Organism and is often used interchangeably with "genetically engineered" or "bio-engineered" when describing food made using specific ingredients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines a GMO as an organism (usually a plant or an animal) produced through genetic modification. Typically, this means inserting genes from another species into a plant or an animal. For instance, genetic material from a fish has been inserted into a tomato to make it more cold-tolerant (yes, that's been done), or genetic material from a microbe has been inserted into corn to make it resistant to herbicides.
Herbicide Definition:
A substance that is toxic to plants, used to destroy unwanted vegetation. Herbicides, commonly known as weed killers, are substances used to control undesired plants, also known as weeds.
Pesticide Definition:
A substance used to destroy insects or other organisms harmful to crops or animals.
Health Effects of Genetically Modified Crops
Glyphosate
Independent research has found that glyphosate-tolerant plants accumulate glyphosate residues at unexpectedly high levels. These residues are passed onto consumers when we eat them. Even when ingested below "safe" regulatory levels, glyphosate may still have concerning effects on health. For instance, it has been observed to disrupt hormones and alter metabolic processes in the human body, as well as promote tumor formation. In 2018, the Environmental Working Group released the results of a report finding increased levels of glyphosate in 31 out of 45 breakfast cereal samples tested. The contaminated samples included Cheerios, Quaker Oats, and other breakfast foods. The quantities of Roundup could increase cancer risk in children.
Glyphosate could affect the liver. A 2017 animal study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that with exposure to low, environmentally relevant doses of glyphosate-based herbicides, rats experienced signs of enhanced liver injury as well as notable biochemical changes (even though I am not a fan of animal testing).
Glyphosate Definition:
Increasing numbers of scientists believe that this chemical may disrupt and kill beneficial bacteria in your gut, leading to impaired immune function and a cascade of other ill effects.
Other Herbicide-Resistant Crops
Glufosinate: The use of glufosinate in agriculture was banned in the EU as of July 2018 due to concerns about neurotoxicity and reproductive damage. However, glufosinate-resistant corn, soy, grapeseed, and cotton are still being grown in the U.S. and many other countries and sprayed with glufosinate.
2,4-D: 2,4-D is one of the primary compounds (along with 2,4,5-T) found in Agent Orange—the infamous chemical responsible for an estimated 400,000 deaths during the Vietnam War. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has named 2,4-D a possible human carcinogen. Studies have also linked 2,4-D to endocrine disruption and disturbances in estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormones.
Dicamba: This pesticide poses an elevated risk for liver and liver bile duct cancer. The EPA canceled the registration of three dicamba-containing pesticide products because they "have the potential to cause unreasonable adverse effects to human health."
Environmental Effects of GM Foods
For instance, glyphosate and other pesticides have been linked in soil, crop products, animals that feed on the crop products, humans, freshwater, and the organisms that live there.
GMOs: Hidden Sources in Our Diet
How much of a problem is genetically engineered food? It's estimated that currently, over 90% of U.S. corn, upland cotton, and soybeans are produced using GE varieties.
Corn:
Obvious:
- Corn on the cob
- Frozen corn
- Corn meal
- Corn tortillas
- Tortilla chips
- Corn oil
- Popcorn
Hidden GMO Ingredients:
- Drinks and desserts sweetened with high fructose corn syrup
- Cornstarch (check ingredient lists)
- Potato chips
- Battery-raised meat fed corn
- Factory-farmed eggs from chickens raised on corn
- Dairy products from cows raised on corn
- Specialty coffee drinks
- Cat and dog foods
Soy:
Obvious:
- Edamame
- Soy milk
- Soybean oil (check ingredient lists)
- Soy sauce
- Soy oil
Hidden GMO Ingredients:
- Bottled salad dressing
- Vegetable oil
- Lecithin
- Tofu
- Non-dairy frozen desserts
- Teriyaki sauce
- Battery-raised meat fed soy
- Factory-farmed eggs from chickens raised on soy
- Dairy products from cows raised on soy
- Texturized vegetable protein (a meat substitute commonly found in canned chilis, soups, and sauces)
- Cat and dog foods
Canola:
Obvious:
- Canola oil
Hidden GMO Ingredients:
- Tortilla chips (especially sneaky are the ones that are made with organic corn but are fried in GMO canola)
- Baked items
- Bottled and jarred sauces
- Vegetable oil
- Bottled salad dressing
- Peanut butter
- Marinated vegetables (sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts)
- Prepared pesto
- Mayonnaise
- Prepared hummus
Sugar Beets:
Obvious:
- Granulated sugar (Any granulated sugar that doesn't specifically say 'cane sugar')
Hidden GMO Ingredients:
- Yogurt
- Baked goods made with sugar
- Soda
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Prepared salad dressing
- Specialty coffee drinks
Cotton:
Obvious:
- Textiles made from cotton
- Cottonseed oil
Hidden GMO Ingredients:
- Battery-raised meat fed cottonseed
- Factory-farmed eggs from chickens raised on cottonseed
- Dairy products from cows raised on cottonseed
- Baked and prepackaged items that include cottonseed oil
