Understanding GMOs in the Modern Food Supply
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created through a precise set of laboratory techniques to introduce specific new traits, such as resistance to pests or herbicides. While this technology has been used to create foods for decades, consumer interest in understanding what's in their food has grown significantly. A common misconception is that many fresh fruits and vegetables are GMO, but in reality, the list of commercially available bioengineered foods is quite short, with most GMO ingredients hidden within processed products.
The Most Common GMO Crops and Their Derivatives
Although the number of different GMO crops is small, they are used to produce a vast number of ingredients found in processed foods. In the U.S., the majority of bioengineered crops are used for livestock feed and to make common food ingredients.
Here is a list of the most common GMO crops:
- Corn: A vast majority of U.S. corn is genetically modified, primarily to be resistant to insect pests or tolerant of herbicides. While some sweet corn varieties are GMO, most is field corn used to make ingredients like cornstarch, corn syrup, and corn oil, which are widespread in processed products.
- Soybeans: Another major GMO crop, with most U.S. soy being bioengineered. It is often used for livestock feed, but also for soybean oil, soy lecithin, and soy protein, which are used as ingredients and emulsifiers in a huge range of packaged foods.
- Canola: An estimated 90% of U.S. canola crops are genetically modified, primarily for herbicide resistance. Canola oil is a key ingredient in many processed foods, dressings, and margarines.
- Sugar Beets: Approximately 95% of sugar beets grown in the U.S. are genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicides. These are used to produce granulated sugar, and because it is chemically identical to non-GMO sugar, it does not need to be labeled as bioengineered.
- Cotton: Genetically modified cotton is grown to resist pests. While a textile crop, its byproduct, cottonseed oil, is used for frying and in packaged foods.
- Alfalfa: This bioengineered crop is grown mostly for livestock feed, particularly for dairy cows.
- Potatoes: Certain potato varieties, like the "Innate" potato, have been developed to resist bruising and browning. This helps reduce food waste but they are not as widely grown as corn or soy.
- Papaya: A specific type of Hawaiian papaya, the Rainbow papaya, was genetically engineered to resist the ringspot virus, which saved the state's papaya industry.
- Summer Squash: Specific varieties of zucchini and yellow squash were among the first GMOs developed, engineered for virus resistance, though they are not widely grown today.
- Apples: Certain varieties of apples, known as Arctic apples, have been modified to resist browning after being cut.
- Pink Pineapple: This fruit was modified to have pink flesh by increasing its lycopene levels and is less common than other bioengineered foods.
Labeling Standards for Bioengineered Food
Since 2022, the U.S. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard has required food manufacturers to disclose bioengineered ingredients. Products containing detectable genetic material from GMOs must display a "Bioengineered" label or a QR code that links to more information. However, there are some key exemptions that can make identification tricky for consumers:
- No detectable genetic material: Highly processed ingredients like corn syrup, refined sugar from sugar beets, and most vegetable oils are exempt because the genetic material is removed during processing.
- Animal products: Meat, dairy, and eggs from animals that consume GMO feed do not require bioengineered labeling.
- Restaurant food: Food prepared and sold in restaurants is exempt from the labeling requirements.
GMO vs. Non-GMO vs. Organic Foods
Understanding the differences between labeling claims is crucial for informed choices. The terms "non-GMO" and "organic" have different implications, and are not interchangeable.
| Feature | Genetically Modified (GMO) | Non-GMO | Organic | Non-GMO but not Organic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic Modification | Yes | No | No | No |
| Pesticide/Herbicide Use | Yes, engineered to tolerate or resist | May use some synthetic pesticides/herbicides | No synthetic pesticides/herbicides used | May use some synthetic pesticides/herbicides |
| Fertilizers | Synthetic fertilizers typically used | Synthetic fertilizers may be used | Natural fertilizers (e.g., compost, manure) used | Synthetic fertilizers may be used |
| Cost | Generally lower | Higher than conventional, lower than organic | Generally higher than both GMO and Non-GMO | Generally lower than organic |
| Labeling | May be labeled "Bioengineered" if traceable genetic material is present | Often labeled "Non-GMO Project Verified" | Must be labeled with the USDA Organic seal | Often has no specific label regarding pesticides |
How to Identify GMOs in Your Grocery Shopping
For the average consumer, identifying GMOs requires more than just a quick look at the produce section. Since most bioengineered foods are ingredients in processed items, checking labels and knowing the key crops is vital. Look for the USDA Organic label for the most comprehensive assurance against GMOs, as it prohibits their use. Conversely, the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal certifies that a product has been tested to not contain detectable levels of GMOs. If a product contains ingredients like corn syrup, canola oil, or sugar, and is not certified organic or non-GMO, it is likely that the ingredients came from genetically engineered crops.
Conclusion
While the list of whole foods that are actually GMO is relatively small, bioengineered ingredients derived from crops like corn, soy, and sugar beets are prevalent in the modern food system. The current U.S. bioengineered food labeling standard can be confusing, exempting many heavily processed ingredients where genetic material is no longer detectable. For consumers who wish to avoid GMOs, the best approach is to familiarize themselves with the primary bioengineered crops and their derived ingredients, and to look for third-party verification, such as the USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified seals. This provides the most clarity and assurance in a complex food landscape.
Learn more about regulations and facts at the FDA's Agricultural Biotechnology page.
