Common GMOs in Processed Foods
When considering what is an example of a GMO you eat, most people unknowingly consume GMO ingredients in processed foods rather than directly from whole produce. Major commodity crops like corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets are heavily genetically modified and are used to produce a vast array of common food ingredients.
- Corn: Much of the field corn grown in the United States is genetically modified, primarily for herbicide tolerance and insect resistance. While some sweet corn varieties are GMO, the bulk of this crop is processed into products like cornmeal, cornstarch, and high-fructose corn syrup, which are common in soft drinks, cereals, and snacks.
- Soybeans: Soybeans are another dominant GMO crop, often modified to be resistant to herbicides. Soybean oil, derived from these crops, is a staple cooking oil and is found in countless products, including margarine, salad dressings, and baked goods. Other soy-based ingredients like lecithin and proteins also feature in processed foods.
- Canola: Similar to soybeans, the majority of canola grown is genetically engineered for herbicide tolerance. Canola oil is a popular choice for cooking and is used extensively in processed items.
- Sugar Beets: More than half of the granulated sugar on grocery store shelves is made from genetically modified sugar beets. These beets are modified to be resistant to certain herbicides, making weed control easier for farmers.
Whole Produce Examples
While processed food ingredients are the most common source of GMOs, a few whole fruits and vegetables are also available in genetically modified varieties. These examples help illustrate that GMOs aren't limited to the hidden ingredients list.
- Rainbow Papaya: Perhaps one of the most famous examples, the Rainbow papaya was developed to resist the papaya ringspot virus, which devastated Hawaii's papaya industry in the 1990s. Without this innovation, Hawaii's papaya crops would have collapsed. Today, the virus-resistant Rainbow papaya is widely grown and exported.
- Arctic® Apples: Engineered to resist browning when sliced, Arctic® apples reduce food waste. These non-browning apples are available in pre-packaged slices at grocery stores. The modification uses RNA interference to silence the enzyme responsible for browning, so there is no foreign DNA introduced.
- Innate® Potatoes: Varieties like the Innate® potato have been developed to resist bruising and produce less acrylamide—a potential carcinogen—when fried. This reduces food waste by keeping potatoes fresher for longer.
GMO Traits: A Comparison Table
Genetic modification is used to introduce specific traits into crops. The following table compares some common GMO traits and their resulting benefits.
| GMO Trait | Example Crop | Benefit | Result for Consumers/Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbicide Tolerance | Soybeans, Corn, Sugar Beets | Farmers can apply weed-killing herbicides without harming their crops. | Less competition from weeds, potentially higher yields, lower production costs. |
| Insect Resistance (Bt) | Corn, Eggplant | The plant produces its own insecticide, toxic only to target pests. | Reduced need for chemical insecticide spraying, less crop damage, and potential mycotoxin contamination. |
| Virus Resistance | Papaya, Summer Squash | The plant is protected from devastating plant viruses. | Saved entire industries from collapse and ensured a stable food supply. |
| Non-Browning | Arctic® Apples | The flesh of the fruit does not turn brown after being cut. | Reduces food waste as aesthetically unappealing but perfectly good produce is not discarded. |
| Enhanced Nutrition | Golden Rice, High Oleic Soy | Crops are biofortified with increased levels of nutrients like Vitamin A or healthier fats. | Addresses nutritional deficiencies in vulnerable populations and provides healthier oil options. |
Labeling and Regulation
In the United States, regulations require certain foods produced through genetic engineering to carry a 'Bioengineered' label, though this standard has faced criticism for its lack of clarity and exemptions. Meanwhile, many products with GMO ingredients remain unlabeled because highly refined ingredients like cornstarch, sugar, or vegetable oil, where the genetic material is removed, are not required to be labeled.
Conclusion
In summary, pinpointing an example of a GMO you eat is often not as simple as checking a list of fresh produce. While items like the Rainbow papaya and Arctic® apples are clear examples, the most prevalent GMOs are found in the ingredients of processed foods like soybean oil, cornstarch, and sugar derived from sugar beets. These modifications, from pest and virus resistance to enhanced nutritional content, play a significant role in modern agriculture. Understanding what you eat requires looking beyond the fresh produce aisle and examining the ingredients list of many everyday food products, where GMO ingredients are common and, according to regulatory bodies like the FDA, safe for consumption. You can learn more from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
