One of the most highly debated issues in the food industry is whether GMO foods are safe. So the first question we need to answer is what are GMO foods? According to the Non GMO Project, a GMO, also known as a genetically modified organism, is "a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology." Essentially, this means scientists are creating combinations of plant, animal, bacterial, and virus genes that are not natural.
While, proponents of GMOs will argue that farmers have been using crossbreeding methods for generations, genetic engineering is something completely different. Genetic engineering allows the transfer of genetic materials to other unrelated organisms, creating "frankenfoods" that are not natural. For example, scientists might transfer fish genes to a tomato to make it grow better. Or they might add pesticide genes to produce to ensure they are able to withstand those pesticides and grow.
GMO foods were first used in 1992 after the Supreme Court approved the patenting of genetically engineered organisms and the FDA granted a path for GMO foods to be sold to the public. The first GMO food to be approved was the flavor savor tomato, which was soon followed by soy, corn, potatoes, and cotton. As soon as these crops entered the market, there has been constant worry that the public are guinea pigs to a food experiment where we don't know what the harms will be decades into the future.
Food scientists and companies that produce GMO foods argue that science has been used for centuries to improve the growing of foods and to ensure crops' desirable traits survive. However, per our assertion above about the difference between crossbreeding and genetic engineering, this is not exactly a strong argument. They also argue that GMO foods are needed to feed a growing world population, so this is something that must considered in the food debate.
However, one thing that is not up for debate is that you don't have to eat GMOs if you don't want to. By buying local from small farmers and organic farms, you can avoid eating genetically modified produce. Have a conversation with your local farmers to ensure the integrity of what you're eating. You should also read labels. While companies are not required to say when they use GMOs in their foods, the ones that don't are usually quick to point it out on their labels.
