Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are not something most Americans think about. When I was in Britain five years ago, every other story on the news was about the dangers of GMOs and how they were sneaking into the food supply. GMOs sounded like a very bad thing according to the folks at the BBC, yet outside of fluff stories on the 24-hour news-go-round about glow-in-the-dark kittens, I had never heard of GMOs here in America.
Since then, most of us have heard about what a GMO is – an organism (living thing) that has been genetically altered using genetic engineering. This means that the genetic material of one living thing has the genetic material of another living thing basically injected into the genetic structure, resulting in a new organism which possesses different characteristics which could not be achieved through regular breeding or cross-pollination. This practice aims to create stronger, longer lasting and more nutritious foods.
On paper, this sounds like a magnificent idea. But, especially in Europe, GMOs are strictly controlled. Many argue that we are unsure of the implications of genetic modification. Few believe that a super-race of killer tomatoes is going to take over the world and enslave the human race, but many do believe that GMOs may eventually cause health problems. However, the most compelling argument against the use of GMOs seems to lie in the possibility that GMO crops could overcome traditional crop varieties, which could result in the extinction of our traditional food crops.
By law in Europe, any product containing more than .9% GMOs must be labeled, yet in America, there is no system of labeling at all. However, more than 70% of the processed foods in America are made with GMO produce. Most of these products involve genetically modified corn. Some GMO food crops are resistant to commercial herbicides or are able to produce pesticidal proteins from within the plant, or “stacked trait” seeds, which do both. This means that spraying an herbicide to kill weeds will not kill the crop and the crop itself will be resistant to pests without ever needing pesticide.
In 2007, Monsanto’s GMOs were planted on 246 million acres worldwide, a growth of 13 percent from 2006. In the corn market, Monsanto’s triple-stack corn – which combines weed control with insect control – is the market leader in the United States. U.S. corn farmers planted more than 17 million acres of triple-stack corn in 2007, and it is estimated the product could be planted on 45 million to 50 million acres by next year.¹
This means that, unless you are allergic to corn, you are virtually guaranteed to have consumed a GMO if you are an American.
Monsanto’s business practices have been reported to be shady in the extreme, with reports of farmers being threatened and intimidated along with accusations of market rigging and violations of anti-trust laws. If you’re interested in Monsanto’s hand in our agricultural industry, I highly suggest Vanity Fair’s 2008 article “Monsanto’s Harvest of Fear.”
But, how does this fit into your pantry? Most people don’t know or care about the speculative fears of environmental impact, disturbing the food chain or possible health risks. We aren’t seeing anyone walking around with arms growing out of their heads yet. So, are GMOs really evil?
The biggest argument against GMOs in my opinion is evolution. If we introduce crops which are herbicide resistant and which contain their own pesticidal properties, weeds and bugs will become immune to them and, eventually, more chemicals will need to be used in producing crops.
Furthermore, GMOs are patented and therefore more expensive. Third-world countries do not have the economic power to buy the seeds, yet they will have to deal with the insects and weeds which will be more resistant to traditional method farming. In the end, the effort to produce crops which will feed more people more efficiently will probably hinder the hungriest citizens of the world from growing their own food.
Of course, all of this is theory. GMOs have the ability to produce better foods which rot more slowly and have better nutritional profiles. Unfortunately, what might happen can be much more frightening than a tasteless tomato. It seems that it all comes down to corporate responsibility and oversight, which we aren’t especially talented with here in America.
GMOs can be used to cut down on pesticide use. They can be used to breed stronger, healthier animals. There are many positive attributes to the GMO technology. GMOs are not all bad. It seems that GMOs are like a superhero - it’s all about how we use the power. If you research GMOs and truly believe they are not something you'd like to support, your best bet is to buy locally and organically. But, even then, chances are the produce has been impacted either directly or indirectly by GMOs.
Should you be eating GMOs?
Chances are, you already are.
[1] James, Clive (2008), "Executive Summary", Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2008, The First Thirteen Years, 1996 to 2008, ISAAA Briefs,.
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Comments
~Douglas Adams
As for GMOs, I think the best advice is, as with any new technology, be cautious. (Q.v., nuclear power providing electricity "too cheap to meter.") Although, I have to say, if anyone develops a carrot that glows in the dark, I am all over that puppy. Especially if it's part puppy.
Deborah - You can find Whole Foods' GMO policy here.
But, the problem with foods labeled as non-GMO is that they are not monitored for cross-pollination with other fields. Also, the GMOs do effect other crops in the area, as in just two generations of insects (MONTHS, not years) they can become immune to the seductive death-ray of the GMO crops.
Farmer Bob next door may not have frankencrops, but he still has to deal with the fallout from Mr. Monsanto.
Raving bits - Were' good at the power part. Responsibility? Not so much.
And I think Douglas Adams was wrong on the potato thing, much as I love him.
P.S. You can't cure Mexican Piggy Clap with potatoes. (But they will make you feel better.)
Supply them to Taco Bell and give each American a
coupon for a free taco.
R.
i think my problem is subtlety.
if i want a GMO, give me the 18 legged chicken they sell to KFC.
give me brontosaurus burgers. give me an apple with a FULL MULTIVITAMIN worth of goodness. make the GMO count!
but if i want a tomato, i want it to be the samekind of tomatoe that my great aunt used in making marinara sauce. Ripe, and Unadulterated.
Monsanto is evil. Their seed is sterile. They want the world to use their seed so that no one can grow anything without buying the seed from them. If Monsanto seed contaminates your field, you must pay Monsanto for the right to use their seed.
from Millions Against Monsanto
"Roundup has now been found to aid the spread of fusarium head blight in wheat. This disease creates a toxin in the infected wheat, making the crop unsuitable for human or animal consumption. Canada's wheat industry is currently being ravaged by this disease. At the same time, the widespread use of Roundup has resulted in the formation of "super weeds" --- unwanted plants that have developed an immunity to these pesticides."
I also love how you used the words "corporate" and " responsibility" in the same sentence. Sometimes, Jodi, you're such a stitch!
Just like Alien.
When we lived in France it was a different world when it came to GMO stuff. Not much, if anything, and the taste difference in the produce and the baked goods was rather pronounced v. what we have here. I can't describe it but it is different.
Good, thoughtful post Jodi. This stuff worries me. I'd hate to see what a little tomato looks like in ten years! Never mind an ear of corn! Yikes.
I definitely see the point of the insects building up a tolerance to it. But, they do regular pesticides as well. They don't make a more powerful pesticide to deal with it, they just use a different one. So, in that same regard, I would assume a little tweaking on the seed would have the same effect.
However, with a grandfather who has been growing corn for hundreds of years (and on off years soy beans) I don't like the fact that their seeds are sterile. Someone else said it here (and I'm too lazy to hit scroll) but Monsanto will slowly push farmers/seed farms out of the competition.
Man - I just read something about this in Western Horseman I think. I'm going to go find it - I'll be back.
(Rated for letting me ramble)
Or you can use it to stick a gene from a soil bacterium in corn so the corn manufactures a mild pesticide (BT) itself and to be resistant to herbicides, so that you now have the pesticide IN the corn and you can douse the corn with toxic chemicals without killing it.
An analogy is grafting. Most fruit trees are grafted to get a better tasting fruit on a stronger root. You can get a disease-free, pest-free tomato by grafting it on either poisonous Jimson weed or Deadly nightshade (I forget which). The fact that this sometimes results in poisonous tomatoes in not a reason to ban or shun all products from grafted plants.
Genetic Modification is a powerful tool. Instead of condemning the whole technique, we should develop a system for discussing what genes have been added, for what reason, and where they came from.
Then, we can get the benefits of genetic modification while still avoiding pesticide-corn hybrids that have been doused in Roundup.
Another hot topic related to GMOs is the use of anti-biotic resistant genes as markers. How that works is described here:
http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/safety/human_health/45.docu.html
The possible dangers of this practice is described in many places, but here is one sample Web page:
http://www.psrast.org/antibiot.htm
Just as an aside related to the last link, the Japanese scientist who discovered the antibiotic kanamycin is my uncle:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamao_Umezawa
But all this celebrated extra junk that they can imbue the veggies with isn't all that great either as it can cause unforseen reactions amongst people who have low tolerance for various chemical compounds.
Additionally, the persistence of corporate food conglomerates such as Monsanto to introduce, control and force production of monocultures has resulted in a huge loss of varieties. Consider that against the fact that the vegetables today have about 40% less vitamins and nutrients compared to widely available produce some 80 years ago.
I guess what I'm trying to say is - thanks for writing the article.
you've boiled it down to this great assessment:
"It seems that GMOs are like a superhero - it’s all about how we use the power. "
Thanks and rated.
GMOs are the under-talked about side of the news lately, thank you for bringing this issue some much needed attention.
All hope is not lost, we can lobby Congress to do what Britian does.
I was disturbed to see that Monsanto as of recently is sponsoring the PBS Newshour, but they gotta get their money from somewhere I guess.
I cringe each time I hear Monsanto.
Who made bucks?
Monsanto sprayed three-canopy jungles.
The tropical lush forrest were beautiful.
Earth was teeming full of flower orchids.
Life.
CEO's didn't give a hoot. Monsanto doused:`
Humans. American troops! Beauty. Orchids.
Thanks. I'll bet Jane Black reads this. Great.
She writes like You. Ya two eat all day long.
Bring troops home before they are all dead.
Soon GMO altered tomatoes will hop to Ya?
Sad. 70% of food in the industry has GMOs.
See. Film- Food Inc. You, etc., must inform.
It's insanity. Hormones, etc., Turkey "food"?
Thee chicken and fowl can't even stand ups!
Monsanto, Purdue, Ham. Beef. O soy bean!
Ya wonder why lump in Ya belly and breast?
GREED. USDA hires bunches of Monsanto!
Check out WHO's former Lobby Monsanto!
Pal. The greedy toxic purveyors kill people!
One thing I would add is that the political dimension to labeling GMOs in Europe should not be underestimated. Free trade agreements prohibit or limit the ability of European countries to restrict sales of US goods, but forcing them to stick a "Frankenfood" label on them is an easy way around those restrictions to enforce a de facto protectionist agenda.