GMO Foods Fact or Fiction

After a GMO is developed, it is thoroughly evaluated by the USDA, FDA, and EPA to identify unintended consequences to the environment or to our health if consumed.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

It takes many years for a GMO to be approved first for field testing and second for commercial production.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

GMOs are created by injecting chemicals into food AFTER it is harvested.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

GMOs are developed through genetic engineering where scientists identify and insert specific traits into the DNA of the seed before it is ever planted. The plant grows just like conventional (non-GMO) seeds. The transgenic trait is then transferred to other varieties through traditional cross-breeding.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

GMOs have bombarded the produce section of the grocery store. It is difficult to avoid GMO fruits and vegetables.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

There are only 10 approved varieties of GMO plants. Of those crops, 5 could be found in the produce section. They are sweet corn, papaya, potatoes, squash, and the Arctic apple.

The bulk of GM crops that are harvested in the US are for the use of livestock feed.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

GM field Corn, Alfalfa, Soybeans, and the by-products of sugar beets and cotton harvested in the United States are all used to feed livestock. 

If I purchase food labeled with the USDA Organic seal, I know these products did not grow from a GM seed.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

In addition to other growth and production requirements, foods with the “Organic” seal were not grown from GM seeds.

Using GM crop varieties in every country would be beneficial.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

Many third world countries do not have the technology and resources to utilize the benefits of GM crops. For example, if a farmer in another country does not have access to herbicides, using herbicide tolerant crops would not be beneficial.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

The implementation of GM seeds over the last 20 years has increased the price of food.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

A study shows that the prices of corn, soybeans and canola would probably be 5-9% higher than if GM technology was not available to farmers.

Health studies about the safety of consuming GM crops are less than 20 years old.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

GM crops have only been in production since 1996. While studies have shown they are safe, their scope is limited to the amount of time they have been in production and use.

GMOs are NOT directly linked to being a cause for cancer.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

GM crop varieties pose no greater risk of increasing the risk of cancer than their conventional counterparts.

Studies show that GMOs are linked to an increase in allergies.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

90% of all allergies are caused by peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, and fish. To date, only soy even has a GM variety. See more explanation: