genetically modified organism = gmo

As I’m sure you all know, I am an organic freak when it comes to food. Yes it’s more expensive, but the quality is better. Nutrition from organic foods is denser and the farming of organic foods yields a sustainable and healthy environment for all. Organic foods are free from the array of pesticides used in conventional growing and to be considered USDA Organic they have to be GMO free. A lot of the time, when I speak to people about organic foods and GMO’s they look at me like I’m nuts. Even as the awareness of genetically modified foods is steadily increasing, most folks still don’t have a clue what GMO is and they definitely don’t realize they are eating it every day. GMOs were introduced into our food supply in the mid-90’s without any required labeling or proper independent safety testing. They are in almost 90% of the foods at the supermarket without the informed consent of you, the consumer.

A quick run down of FAQ’s from the Non-GMO Project:

What are GMOs?
GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Monsanto is the world’s largest biotech company and producer of GM crops.



Are GMOs safe?

Are GMOs labeled?

Do Americans want non-GMO foods and supplements?

How common are GMOs?


  • Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
  • Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
  • Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
  • Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)


Common Ingredients Derived from GMO Risk Crops

What are the impacts of GMOs on the environment?

How do GMOs affect farmers?

So there you have it folks! Scary! If you would like to get involved in pushing to get GMOs labeled in the United States, there is a movement going on called the Right2Know. The march, which took place on October 16, called upon regulators in Washington DC to insist that genetically modified foods be labeled. You can go to the website and sign the petition.

We all have the right to know what is in our food. Since GMOs are not labeled in the US, the Center for Food Safety offers a downloadable True Food Shoppers Guide (pdf) that lists by category, brands that don’t use GMOs and those that do contain them. There is also a great iPhone App called Fooducate that allows you to scan a product barcode, see what’s inside, and select healthier alternatives.

Making the effort to choose non-GMO is not always the most convenient choice, but none-the-less it should be a CHOICE. And when it comes to deciding what I feed my family, I want to be the one making it.

educate yourself. be informed. opt out of gmo.

dr. lisa