Five Common Misconceptions About GMO Foods
- GMOs Contaminate Organic Crops
- GMOs Benefit the Consumer
- GMOs will Solve World Hunger
- Most Seeds are GMO Seeds
- Research has Proven GMOs are Safe
Genetically engineered produce has been a major point of discussion since researchers discovered they could alter a plant’s genes to help provide protection from pests. Researchers developed these seeds, introduced them into the food supply and continue to utilize these methods without much input from the consumer. This list will dispel some of the most common myths surrounding these GMOs.
1. GMOs Contaminate Organic Crops
There is a prevalent notion that GMOs will contaminate and destroy organic crops. The idea is that when an organic crop comes into contact with a similar species of GMO crop, the organic crop will no longer be organic. This false belief can be disproven by looking at the interpretation provided by the United States Department of Agriculture. The federal organization explains how difficult it is to avoid any contamination with GMO products. Most organic companies try to avoid GMOs, but most forms of corn and canola are entirely genetically modified and unavoidable. It’s important for consumers to recognize that organic corn that is fed to non-GMO pigs and chickens still contain some level of GMOs.
2. GMOs Benefit the Consumer
This myth is likely the most widespread and misunderstood concept about genetically engineered produce. Many people mistakenly believe that genetic engineering can make crops more nutritious, better-tasting, longer-lasting or overall better. This idealistic approach may be possible in the future, but for now, these types of advancements are not occurring. The fact is genetically modified crops were introduced specifically for the purpose of protecting crops from pests and pesticides. GMOs primarily benefit the pocketbooks of firms producing the crops, and there are currently few, if any, benefits for the consumer.
3. GMOs will Solve World Hunger
World hunger is already a serious issue, and it’s expected to increase with the rising global population rates. When scientists first learned about the possibility of genetically modifying crops, many idealists began to think GMOs would solve world hunger. This myth was further propelled when African scientists argued these points at a United Nations conference in 1998. Monsanto, the major producer of GMOs, has a webpage devoted to this topic. The company agrees that they want to help with world hunger issues, but GMO crops alone can’t remedy this societal issue.
4. Most Seeds are GMO Seeds
The widespread circulation of genetically modified crops has led to the assumption that nearly all modern-day seeds are GMO seeds, but this is a misconception. Surprisingly, very few seeds are considered full-blown GMO seeds including sugar beets, cotton, corn, canola, alfalfa, soybeans, papaya and squash. These items are considered high-risk by the Non-GMO Project. There are many more food items that are considered low-risk or a monitored risk by the group, but these crops are not yet commercially available. While these high-risk crops are used to make hundreds of other products on the market, the vast majority of modern-day seeds are still non-GMO.
5. Research has Proven GMOs are Safe
Most Americans assume that the safety of GMOs has been thoroughly researched and reviewed. The Center for Food Safety confirms neither the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency nor the FDA have done any comprehensive research on the environmental and health effects of GMOs. In fact, there is a growing lack of regulations concerning the production of genetically altered crops. Concerned citizens worry that unexpected health consequences may develop, and many argue that scientists are using consumers as literal guinea pigs. It is surprising for consumers to learn so little is known about this new form of produce production.
Debunking the most common myths surrounding genetically modified foods probably leaves one with more questions than answers concerning this rapidly developing technology. Despite being introduced into the market 23 years ago, consumers, scientists, and regulatory agencies still lack a clear understanding about genetically engineered produce, so the controversy continues.
