We need to be educated and not panic over misleading information about GMO foods.
It seems that every day there are more articles popping up about GMO foods and the risk factors included in eating them. Many stores now carry products proudly advertising “GMO-free” labels, such as Similac baby formula, and even the menu at Chipolte Mexican Grill. But are the fears of GMOs warranted? Scientists insist that GMOs are not harmful, but the influx of “GMO-free” food labels is rising, and the New York Times has reported that this is a fad much like the “gluten-free” movement that is based in fears, not facts.
Other companies that are dedicated to GMO labeling include Whole Foods Markets, who have stated that by 2018, every product they sell that include GMOs will have a label warning the consumer about the ingredients. The state of Vermont has passed a law that requires all foods made with GMOs be labeled as well. This is in addition to the banning of GMOs in countries such as the European Union, Russia, Japan, China, Brazil, and all of Australia.
Scare Tactics
The crux of the argument brought up by the NYT article is that by using scare tactics to steer people away from GMO food is in a sense “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” since unlike non-GMO foods, those products that have been genetically modified go through strict testing and evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency before they hit the shelves. No non-GMO foods such as shellfish or nuts, which are common allergens, are regulated like GMO food, even though the allergic reaction to them can be fatal.
However, the argument that there are no long-term test results from GMO foods, and therefore we don’t know what prolonged exposure to them could entail, persists. This, according to the Times, simply means that the testing needs to continue, and that it will, much like safety testing with cars, and the recalls of products that are faulty.
What’s the Answer?
All of this is frightening because there are no real answers. The science thus far has shown that there are many positive reasons to utilize GMO foods, but people are afraid to eat them because of a combination of lack of knowledge and the push to label foods as if they contain a known poison. So what should we believe, the science or the hype? The Times says that this is basically a wait-and-see situation, leaning towards the scientific studies that say GMOs are safe.
Go Organic
However, if you do not want GMOs in your food despite the scientific studies, that is up to you. An easy way to do this is to purchase food that is certified organic, which the USDA requires to be GMO-free. Of course, this also means paying more for your food more often than not, which many of us cannot do. GMOs seem to be here to stay, and it is up to the consumer to decide whether or not they are going to use them. Read the labels, study the research, and decide for yourself.
Danielle Vintschger/Pazoo Inc.