CNN Report Follow-up: Katherine Explains GMOs

Genetically Modified Foods: Part II

Your responses to my recent CNN interview were PASSIONATE – on both sides of the issue – regarding GMO’s health and environmental benefits.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continue to spark passionate debate: Emotions run high regarding studies of the impacts of GMOs on health and the environment.

I was interviewed about GMOs by CNN’s   “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer”  which recently reported that Chipotle and many restaurants and food companies in the United States use GMOs. Though Chipotle is one of the few that voluntarily discloses its ingredients.

It’s important to note that scientists in general regard a GMO food nutritionally equivalent to a non-GMO food.

The U.S. government’s stance

GMOs are not allowed in any food certified as organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, in an online food Q&A, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that GMOs have been in the U.S. food supply for about 20 years. The agency also stated in a consumer update that “Foods from genetically engineered plants must meet the same requirements, including safety requirements, as foods from traditionally bred plants.” Such foods, the FDA added, “are generally as nutritious as foods from comparable traditionally bred plants… [They] have not been more likely to cause an allergic or toxic reaction than foods from traditionally bred plants.”

Additionally, Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said there is no safety hazard in using genetically modified soybean oil over conventional soybean oil — a finding the respected organization highlighted recently in its Nutrition Action newsletter.

Hence, the federal government does not require that GMO or non-GMO foods be labeled.

“Food manufacturers may indicate, through voluntary labeling, whether foods have or have not been developed through genetic engineering, provided that such labeling is truthful and not misleading,” the agency stated. “FDA supports voluntary labeling that provides consumers with this information.”

Yes, the GMO debate is still heated and in full swing. There are pros to GM foods —increased yield in staple crops can help to combat world hunger, for example.  (Viggy Parr contributed to this report)