Common GMO Crops and Their Products
Identifying foods with GMO ingredients can be complex because many GMO crops are processed into other ingredients rather than sold whole. The primary crops responsible for the majority of genetically modified ingredients are corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and canola.
Corn and its Derivatives
Corn is one of the most widely planted GMO crops globally and appears in the American food supply in numerous forms. While a small percentage of sweet corn sold on the cob is genetically modified, the vast majority of GMO corn is processed for other uses.
Common Corn-Based GMO Ingredients:
- High-fructose corn syrup: A common sweetener in sodas, candies, and baked goods.
- Corn oil: Used in countless processed foods, including snacks, dressings, and fried items.
- Corn starch: A thickener found in soups, sauces, and baked goods.
- Corn meal: Used in corn chips and various bread products.
- Field corn: Primarily used for livestock feed and ethanol production.
Soybeans and Their Byproducts
Like corn, the majority of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified. These are rarely sold as whole beans but are ubiquitous in processed products.
Common Soy-Based GMO Ingredients:
- Soybean oil: Used in a wide array of packaged foods, from margarine to salad dressings.
- Soy lecithin: An emulsifier found in chocolate, ice cream, and many other foods.
- Soy flour, proteins, and concentrates: Found in protein shakes, veggie burgers, and other processed foods.
- Tofu and soy sauce: Unless specified as non-GMO or organic, these products are likely made from genetically modified soybeans.
Sugar Beets
More than half of the granulated sugar sold in the U.S. comes from genetically modified sugar beets. This type of beet has been engineered to be resistant to herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds more efficiently.
Where to find GMO sugar beet products:
- Any product listing "sugar" without specifying "cane sugar" could potentially contain GMO sugar from sugar beets. This includes cookies, cakes, candy, and sweetened beverages.
Canola
Most canola grown in the U.S. and Canada is genetically modified to be herbicide-tolerant.
Common Canola-Based GMO Products:
- Canola oil: A cooking oil widely used in restaurants and found in processed foods like crackers, chips, and cereal.
- Margarine: Often contains canola oil as a primary ingredient.
Other GMO Foods in Production
While corn and soy are the most prominent, a few other whole foods are genetically modified and available for direct consumer purchase in some regions.
Examples of other GMO foods:
- Papaya: The 'Rainbow' papaya variety grown in Hawaii was genetically engineered to be resistant to the ringspot virus, which had threatened to wipe out the crop.
- Potatoes: Certain varieties, like the 'Innate' potato, have been modified to resist bruising and browning.
- Apples: Some apple varieties are genetically engineered to resist browning after being sliced, which helps reduce food waste.
- Summer Squash/Zucchini: Some varieties are virus-resistant, although they are not as widely grown as other GMO crops.
- Pink Pineapple: A unique variety developed to have pink flesh by increasing lycopene levels.
- Salmon: AquAdvantage® salmon was the first genetically engineered animal approved by the FDA for human consumption.
Comparison of GMO vs. Non-GMO Ingredients
| Feature | GMO Ingredients | Non-GMO Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Typically derived from major commodity crops like corn, soy, sugar beets, and canola. | Can come from a variety of sources, including organically grown crops. |
| Prevalence | Very common in processed and packaged foods, especially those containing corn syrup, vegetable oils, or lecithin. | Found in products labeled "non-GMO" or certified "USDA Organic". |
| Engineering | Genetic material is altered in a laboratory to introduce specific traits, such as herbicide resistance. | Developed through traditional breeding methods like selective breeding and cross-pollination. |
| Labeling | May be labeled as "Bioengineered" under USDA regulations. | Products are typically labeled with the "Non-GMO Project Verified" or "USDA Organic" seal. |
| Cost | Often associated with lower production costs and therefore lower prices for consumers. | Can be more expensive to produce and purchase due to different farming practices. |
| Farming Practices | Commonly involves the use of specific herbicides and insecticides. | Often uses organic farming practices and avoids synthetic pesticides. |
How to Identify GMO Ingredients
In the United States, new federal regulations require food manufacturers to disclose information about bioengineered foods. You can look for a few indicators on product packaging.
- "Bioengineered" label: A round symbol with the letters "BE" is now mandatory on most foods containing GMO ingredients.
- QR Code: Many packages have a QR code you can scan with your smartphone to learn more about the product's bioengineered status.
- Text Disclosure: Some products may use text to disclose bioengineered ingredients, such as "contains a bioengineered food ingredient".
- Ingredient List: Checking the ingredient list is crucial. If you see high-risk ingredients like corn syrup, soy lecithin, or vegetable oil, and the product is not labeled "organic" or "Non-GMO Project Verified," it likely contains GMOs.
- Non-GMO Project Seal: For products that are verified free of GMOs, look for the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal featuring a butterfly.
- USDA Organic Seal: Foods certified as 100% organic by the USDA cannot contain GMO ingredients.
Hidden GMOs in Processed Foods
Many consumers are unaware of the wide range of processed food ingredients derived from major GMO crops. These are often not obvious and require a deeper look at the ingredient list.
List of potentially hidden GMO ingredients:
- Flavorings: Both natural and artificial flavorings can contain GMO components.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Often produced using GMO corn.
- Xanthan Gum and Maltodextrin: Thickeners commonly derived from corn.
- Lactic Acid: Can be produced from GMO corn.
- Amino Acids: Some supplements and additives contain amino acids from genetically modified sources.
- Aspartame: This artificial sweetener is manufactured using genetically modified bacteria.
Conclusion
Identifying what foods have GMO ingredients requires attention to labels, especially when purchasing processed foods. While a few whole produce items like certain papayas and apples are genetically modified, the majority of GMOs in the food supply are processed ingredients derived from crops such as corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets. By understanding common GMO sources and utilizing product labels, consumers can make more informed decisions about the food they purchase for themselves and their families. The USDA's bioengineered food disclosure standard provides a new tool for this, but recognizing high-risk ingredients remains essential for food transparency. For more information on identifying and avoiding GMOs, consider visiting the Non-GMO Project website.
