As an award-winning environmental educator, green realtor, sustainability consultant, and published columnist, The Green Ambassador provides comprehensive insights into sustainability issues, including the critical topic of GMOs. This article delves into what GMOs are, their prevalence in our food supply, and how to avoid them.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are created through a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially inserted into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. These genes can come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans, resulting in "transgenic" organisms.
GMOs are not naturally occurring but are engineered by major chemical companies like Dow and DuPont, known for producing plastics, cleaning supplies, and construction materials. Agrochemical and biotechnology giants such as Monsanto and Syngenta, producers of the Roundup herbicide, also play a significant role in GMO development.
GMOs were first introduced into the U.S. food supply in the mid-1990s by Monsanto with products like saccharin and vanillin. Monsanto also pioneered the genetic modification of plant cells and seeds, making it a leader in genetically engineered (GE) plant seeds.
Here are some of the most prevalent GMO crops in the United States:
| Crop | Percentage of U.S. Harvest |
|---|---|
| Canola | 90% |
| Corn | 88% |
| Cotton | 90% |
| Papaya | 50% |
| Soy | 94% |
| Sugar Beets | 95% |
| Zucchini and Yellow Squash | Over 24,000 acres |
Major food companies like Kellogg, Pepsi, Kraft Foods, General Mills, The Hershey Co., Coca-Cola, J.M. Smuckers Co., Conagra Foods, Smithfield Foods, and Flowers Food Inc. use GMO crops in various products.
Common ingredients derived from GMO crops include:
In the U.S., GMOs can be identified through PLU (Price Look-Up) codes on produce stickers. These codes provide information on whether the product is organic, conventionally grown, or genetically modified.
Large corporations like Dow, DuPont, and Monsanto have patented their genetically modified seeds as intellectual property. This allows GMOs to be owned, sold, traded on the stock market, and controlled.
While GMOs are prevalent in the U.S., they are highly restricted or banned in many other parts of the world. Sixty-four countries, including the entire European Union, have banned GMOs altogether. In the U.S., states like Maryland, Vermont, and Colorado have banned genetically engineered fish and wheat. Some regions in California, Hawaii, and Washington State have also banned certain genetically modified crops.
The best way to avoid GMOs is to grow your own food or buy locally from farmers. Avoiding processed foods is also crucial.
For more information on GMOs, you can visit The Green Ambassador.
Understanding GMOs and their impact on our food supply is crucial for making informed choices. By being aware of what GMOs are, where they are found, and how to avoid them, you can take steps towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
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