Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are found in countless food products worldwide, and many Americans are not aware that they consume them on a daily basis. GMOs refer to food plants and animals that have been genetically modified at the molecular level to produce certain desired traits. However, the amount of research on the short and long-term effects of consuming GMOs is minimal, primarily due to the power companies such as Monsanto have in suppressing research studies.
One recent discovery relates to the contamination of GMO plants with unintended material, such as viruses. For instance, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) found that when lab scientists altered genes in GMO food, they also introduced parts of a virus gene. This virus gene now exists in the food that many people consume, but the safety of it and its potential to cause illness remains uncertain.
Going Viral
Out of 86 different processes used to insert genes into GMO crops, the previously mentioned virus gene is present in 54 of them. Experts argue that viral genes can be extremely dangerous, as their primary function is to compromise the immune system of plants, animals, and humans in order to invade cells and flourish. This discovery has heightened concerns over the safety of GMO foods and the lack of understanding around their potential consequences.
Expressing Concern
Public interest groups and experts are calling for the authorization of GMO crops to be suspended and for their sale to be withdrawn until a thorough safety review has been conducted. Today, many farmers grow vast amounts of GMO crops such as soy, corn, and cotton, which have been genetically engineered to contain toxic pesticides and withstand massive amounts of herbicides. While the GMO crops survive, other living organisms like pollinators, wildlife, and fish die from pesticide exposure. Moreover, these pesticides often persist long enough to poison water and air sources.
Environmental Claims
One of the primary modifications to GMO crops is to increase their resistance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup. The company insists that glyphosate is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but a French court found Monsanto guilty of falsely making these claims in 2009. Glyphosate has been detected in groundwater several miles away from farmlands, human and animal blood samples, and it has been shown to cross the placental barrier.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that 88,000 tons of glyphosate were used in the United States alone, and the Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as a Class III toxic substance. Glyphosate is linked to over 20 adverse health effects, including autism, obesity, depression, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Hidden Menace
GMOs are overwhelmingly present in most processed food products and even vitamins, but they are hidden under seemingly harmless ingredient names like baking powder, corn flour, cottonseed oil, food starch, and fructose. As a result, it is increasingly difficult for consumers to avoid GMOs and the potential health dangers that they present.
In order to minimize the risks associated with GMOs, people should be diligent in identifying potentially harmful ingredients in food products. The Non-GMO Shopping Guide provides a comprehensive list of common hidden GMO ingredients and can be used to make informed decisions about the food and supplements we consume.
