Genetically Engineered Food – Is It Safe?
Let’s break it down:
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism, and while some claim it’s safe, the truth is—we don’t fully know yet.
In animal studies, rats fed a diet with just 11% GMO content developed large tumors by 13 months old. That’s like a person eating only 11% GMO food and developing tumors by age 43.
Today, about 95% of corn, soy, canola, cottonseed, and sugar beet crops grown in the U.S. are genetically modified. Unless a product is labeled “organic” or “non-GMO,” you should assume it contains GMOs.
Despite rising concerns, GMO labeling is not required in the U.S., and 27 countries have banned them entirely—not including the U.S..
How GMO Farming Works
Genetically modified seeds are designed to survive heavy doses of Roundup, a weed killer containing glyphosate. Here’s what happens:
Farmers plant GMO crops.
They spray the fields with Roundup to kill weeds.
The GMO crops survive—but absorb the glyphosate, which stays in the food.
Why is that a problem?
Glyphosate is labeled a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization
It can’t be washed off
It’s harming ecosystems, like the monarch butterfly population, by destroying milkweed
We still don’t know the full impact on long-term human health
How to Avoid GMOs
If you want to limit GMO exposure, follow these tips:
Avoid these crops unless labeled organic/non-GMO: corn, soy, canola, cottonseed, sugar beet
Buy organic—organic foods can’t be genetically modified
Look for “Non-GMO Project Verified” labels
Watch PLU codes:
Conventional bananas: 4011
Organic bananas: 94011
GMO bananas: 84011
Shop at stores that reject GMOs—like Trader Joe’s
Avoid farm-raised fish
Limit eating out at places that don’t commit to non-GMO or organic ingredients
Choose organic poultry and eggs
Buy grass-fed beef (it’s not grain-fed and less likely to be exposed to GM feed)
