Understanding GMO foods and Their Impact on Our Health

Since genetically engineered food was first introduced in the 1990’s, an array of GMO foods have hit the market. In Canada and the United States, GMO foods are not labeled as they are in most developed countries, so there is no way of knowing if a particular food contains Genetically Modified Organisms. Manufacturers claim that there are some benefits to GMO foods, but do we really know how they impact our health?

GMO vs. GE Foods 

GMO foods come from Genetically Modified Organisms that have been created by merging the DNA in the genes of plant or animal species, through biotechnology techniques. The terms GMO and GE (Genetically Engineered) food are often used interchangeably, although there is a difference. GMO’s refers to food where the DNA has been modified by human manipulation or plant breeding to create certain traits. In GE food, the DNA has been altered by human manipulation.

What Foods Contain GMO’s?

Since the FDA approval of the GMO Flavr Savr tomato in 1994, genetically engineered beets, canola, soya, and corn crops have become commonplace in Canada. Genetically engineered milk, papaya, squash, and cottonseed oil are imported from the US. Most processed foods in Canada have GMO ingredients, and wheat, apples, and potatoes are awaiting GMO approval.

GMO Foods and Pesticides

It was originally thought that GMO food would solve the problem of world hunger by creating crops that are resistant to herbicides and pesticides. The argument was that farmers could then increase their output and lower their costs. However, the reality is that weeds and insects have become resistant to herbicide and pesticide chemicals. To counteract this resistance, crops have to be sprayed repeatedly, resulting in more costs to famers, and, more importantly, more environmental pollution and more concerns for human health.

The Safety of GMO Foods

Unfortunately for the consumer, the safety of GMO foods is still unknown. Recent studies indicate that GMO's are associated with health concerns as well as environmental damage. So why promote GMO’s? It turns out that companies like the multinational giant Monsanto push to market more GMO seed products, which they sell to farmers. Interestingly, Monsanto also sells the herbicide glyphosate, which it markets as Roundup. Can anyone connect the dots?