Introduction
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are frequently discussed in the media, sometimes in ways that can lead to confusion or concern. So, let’s dive into the science behind GMOs and answer the top 10 most common questions, providing evidence-based answers that will hopefully ease any worries you may have.
1. Do GMOs Cause Cancer?
No, GMOs do not cause cancer. Despite some claims, there is no reputable evidence linking GMO foods to cancer. As Dr. Kevin Folta, a respected scientist from the University of Florida, puts it: “There is absolutely zero reputable evidence that GMO foods cause cancer.” Both the American Cancer Society and many other respected research institutions, such as the National Cancer Institute, have thoroughly reviewed the science and found GMOs to be safe for human consumption.
Interactive Tip: If you come across a claim linking GMOs to cancer, ask where the evidence comes from. Are they citing peer-reviewed research or a personal opinion? Trust the science that has undergone rigorous review.
2. Are GMOs Safe for Human Consumption?
Yes, GMOs are safe for human consumption. They are rigorously tested for safety by scientists worldwide. In fact, over 40 global government agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have declared GMO foods to be as safe as conventionally grown foods. After extensive testing, these agencies have found no adverse effects from consuming GMO products.
Fun Fact: More than 2,000 studies over the past 25 years have evaluated the safety of GMOs. That’s a lot of science backing up their safety!
3. Aren’t GMOs Unnatural?
It might sound like GMOs are a new and unnatural development, but genetic modification is just the latest form of plant breeding. Humans have been modifying plants for thousands of years, beginning with selective breeding to improve crops for better taste, higher yields, and disease resistance. Modern GMOs simply use advanced genetic tools to achieve these traits more efficiently. This process allows us to grow crops that are more resistant to pests or better able to withstand drought, which is becoming increasingly important due to climate change.
Interactive Tip: Next time you hear the word “unnatural” in relation to GMOs, consider the history of human agricultural innovation. From selective breeding to cross-breeding, humans have been changing the genetics of plants for millennia!
4. Do GMOs Impact the Environment?
Yes, but in mostly positive ways. GMO crops help protect the environment by reducing the need for pesticides, conserving water, and using less land. For example, certain GMO crops like Bt corn are engineered to be pest-resistant, meaning farmers can use fewer chemical pesticides. This not only helps reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture but also supports biodiversity by minimizing chemical runoff into surrounding ecosystems.
Interactive Tip: Think about how many pesticides are used on non-GMO crops compared to GMO crops. The fact that GMOs can reduce pesticide use is an important environmental benefit!
5. Have Long-Term Health Studies Been Conducted on GMOs?
Yes, extensive long-term health studies have been conducted, and no health risks have been found. Leading health organizations like the WHO, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the National Academy of Sciences have reviewed GMOs extensively. These studies have consistently concluded that GMO foods are safe to eat and do not present any long-term health risks.
Fun Fact: The longest-running study on GMOs has lasted for over 20 years, showing no harmful effects on human health.
6. Do GMOs Cause Allergies?
No, GMOs on the market today do not introduce new allergens. If you are allergic to a particular food—say, non-GMO soy—you would likely also have an allergy to GMO soy, since the genes used to create GMO soy are closely related to the conventional variety. Before a new GMO product can be sold, it undergoes thorough allergen testing to ensure that it does not introduce new proteins that could trigger allergies.
Interactive Tip: If you have a food allergy, it’s important to remember that GMO foods aren’t introducing anything new to the food you already consume. Allergies are still related to the specific proteins in the food, not its genetic modification.
7. If Livestock Eat GMOs, Will There Be GMOs in My Meat?
No, GMO content does not transfer into the meat, milk, or eggs of animals that consume GMO feed. According to Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, an expert in animal genomics, genetically engineered crops are broken down by animals during digestion, just like conventional crops. This means there are no traces of GMOs in the animal products you consume.
Fun Fact: The majority of livestock feed in the U.S. contains GMO crops, but GMO DNA does not make its way into the animals. This fact helps debunk myths around GMO consumption in animal products.
8. Can GMO Crops Contaminate Organic Fields?
Contamination between GMO and organic crops is rare. Farmers take extensive steps to prevent cross-contamination, such as planting buffer zones and using specific planting schedules. While it is technically possible for pollen from GMO crops to drift into organic fields, the practice of coexistence has been widely adopted by farmers to ensure that organic certification is maintained.
Interactive Tip: The risk of contamination is extremely low, and organic farmers are supported by regulations and best practices to minimize it. You can be confident that organic produce is still free from GMO crops.
9. Do Seed Companies Force Farmers to Grow GMOs?
No, farmers choose the seeds they plant. As Brian Scott, a soybean and corn farmer, explains, farmers make decisions each season about which crops to grow based on what’s best for their farm, local climate, and market demand. There is no requirement that farmers must plant GMO crops; it’s a decision based on what works for them.
Interactive Tip: Farmers are independent decision-makers, and they choose the best seeds for their needs, including whether to use GMO seeds or not.
10. Do GMOs Affect Bees or Butterflies?
No, there is no evidence that GMOs harm bees, butterflies, or other pollinators. Colony Collapse Disorder, which has affected bee populations, is linked to factors like pesticides, disease, and habitat loss—not genetically modified crops. Research consistently shows that GMO crops do not pose a risk to pollinator health.
Interactive Tip: When considering the environmental impacts of GMOs, keep in mind that the main threats to bees are habitat loss and pesticide exposure, not the GMO crops themselves.
Final Thoughts
As a cancer survivor, you may understandably want to make the healthiest choices for your body and your future. It’s important to know that GMOs are scientifically safe, and decades of rigorous research support their safety and benefits. GMOs are part of a larger movement in agriculture that has improved sustainability, reduced the environmental footprint of farming, and made crops more resilient in the face of climate challenges.
When you hear concerns about GMOs, remember that fear is often rooted in misinformation, and science continues to show that GMOs are safe and beneficial for both health and the environment. If you have questions about GMOs or food safety, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted health experts and scientific organizations.
Sources:
- Do GMOs Cause Cancer? American Cancer Society. Published June 9, 2020. Accessed December 16, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/american-cancer-society-updates-guideline-for-diet-and-physical-activity.html
- Findings on GMO Health and Safety. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Published on May 2, 2022. Accessed December 16, 2024. https://www.nationalacademies.org/based-on-science/foods-made-with-gmos-do-not-pose-special-health-risks
- Van Eenennaam AL, Young AE. Prevalence and impacts of genetically engineered feedstuffs on livestock populations [published correction appears in J Anim Sci. 2014 Nov;92(11):5293]. J Anim Sci. 2014;92(10):4255-4278. doi:10.2527/jas.2014-8124
- FAQ on GMOs and Human Health Impacts. World Health Organization (WHO). Published May 1, 2014. Accessed December 16, 2024.
This blog is not intended as medical nutrition therapy, medical advice, or diagnosis and should in no way replace consultation or recommendation from your medical professional.
