Genetically modified (GM) foods have been around for some time now.  The first GM foods to hit the market were modified plant products like soybeans and corn.  GM modified animal products have also been developed, but to my knowledge, there aren’t any on the market at this time.  The introduction of GM foods to the market has not been without controversy.  Economic, ecological, and healthy safety issues have been repeatedly raised.  Many of these concerns are legitimate and bear discussion, including the issue of health safety, which is a hotly debated topic right now. Considering we largely lack the modern science necessary to truly comprehend what the ramifications of using genetically manipulated food will be, the likelihood of this topic being settled anytime soon is slim.

With this is mind, it doesn’t seem so farfetched to speculate that these GM product could lead some individuals to develop food sensitivities, or that new allergens or bacteria could be introduced into our foods when you consider you’re fusing genes from different species together.  It is after all a real possibility, but the science and the in-depth studies needed to either confirm or deny these issues just isn’t there.  Also, think about this.  With five international agricultural companies, controlling 85 percent of all the food that is coming to our table, how likely is it that we will ever get fair and unbiased information to make those decisions?

Completely avoiding GM food products is difficult to do, as they are so prevalent.  Nearly 93 percent of all soybean and 86 percent of all corn crops planted in the U.S. are from GM modified seeds.  Have you looked at the ingredients listed in your favorite processed foods lately?  I’m sure you’ve noticed how many use corn and soybeans.  That’s not even considering produce like Hawaiian papaya (80% GM), rapeseed/canola (93%), squash (13%), and now rice (% unknown until 2012), or other products that have failed, pulled from the market because the public either didn’t accept them or court-ordered injunctions are currently in place to stop planting plans.  

Unlike European Union countries, Japan and Australia, the U.S. does not require food companies to identify which ingredients of a product have been genetically modified.  That means as a consumer, you have no clear idea if you are eating a food with GM components and to what extent.  Without this information, how are you to make an informed decision as to whether or not you want to eat it or not?

Think about this too.  In the U.S., the FDA can only review food safety data that has been developed and given to them voluntarily by the developers of GM foods.   The FDA doesn’t have any requirements or specific food tests they carry out to determine if those foods are safe to eat.  In short, the FDA pretty much depends on the GM developer to tell them that the food is safe.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who sees something wrong with this picture!

Supporters of GM foods will probably argue that GM foods have been eaten by millions of people worldwide for the last 15 years without any reports of ill effects.  That would be reassuring if there had actually been studies undertaken to determine whether engineered crops have caused any harm to the general public, but there hasn’t.  Furthermore, if these GM products are so safe, why have they been banned in several countries?

When you start meddling in the natural evolution of something, especially something like food, there are bound to be repercussions.  To assume there isn’t, particularly when there are no studies to support or deny these claims, is a bit arrogant on the part of the GM developers and shortsighted on our end as consumers.

As always, we need to remain as diligent as possible about the foods we eat.  While avoiding all GM foods may be impossible, here are a few things that may help you to make better food choices and reduce your GM intake:

• Buy foods that are labeled “100% organic” – foods can’t get this label unless they are completely free of GM ingredients.  Don’t just buy foods that say “organic” because under currently government labeling, “organic” foods can still include up to 30 percent GMs.
  
• Review the label numbers on fruits and vegetables – Price Labeling Lookup (PLU) is a voluntary program and not all producers participate, but it can sometimes provide guidance on GM foods.  A PLU number that adds an “8” in front of the regular four-digit PLU code means the product is genetically modified.  If it has a “9” as a leading number, it’s organic.  A PLU containing only 4 digits means it is conventionally produced.   Here are a couple of examples of what a PLU number looks like:

• Purchase 100% grass-fed beef – if you are a carnivore who loves beef, you want to look for beef that is 100 percent grass- or pasture-fed.  Otherwise, chances are good that the animal ingested GM corn and alfalfa before coming to market, which means you’ll be exposed to it as well.
  
• Stick to whole foods whenever possible – I know it’s not always easy, but whenever you can, try to stick to foods that you have to prepare and cook yourself, rather than processed or prepared foods.  This way, you’ll have a better idea of exactly what you are eating. 
  
• Buy local or start your own vegetable and fruit garden – local farmers markets and coops tend to grow produce organically.  Moreover, what better way to ensure that your fruits and vegetables are organic than to grow it yourself?