The food we eat, as well as what may or may not be in it, are hot buttons in parenting conversations. As a consequence, GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have become big topics as well. Some of you are well-versed on the concept; others may not even know what a GMO is. As a parent with three young children, I am very conscious of and selective about the kinds of foods I give them, so the topic of GMO’s is definitely on my radar.The subject is massive! There is a lot of information…too much to cover here…so I’ve narrowed this article down to a general introduction to GMOs and the role that they play in fruits and vegetables. I will also include a lot of helpful links along the way.
What is a GMO? 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.
I, personally, don’t like the idea of changing the entire make-up of a fruit or vegetable. But why should we care and be concerned about this process? Farmers and companies who produce these products will argue that they increase crop production, reduce pesticide use, and are a natural extension of the genetic process. Opponents, though, are quick to point out that most of their claims are not the case. Many believe that GMOs increase the use of pesticides, are not adequately monitored and regulated to ensure their safety, and compromise soil quality and weed control for farmers. Many also feel that they increase toxins in our bodies and make allergies more prominent. I urge you to read this articleon the myths and facts associated with GMOs.Furthermore, part of the problem is that there isn’t enough studying and monitoring going on with GMOs to know their true effects. One man, Jeffrey Smith, is trying to change all that. His websiteis extensive in its information on GMOs.With regard to fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s relatively good news. Thankfully, most produce is not genetically modified. There’s a somewhat random list of ones to only buy organic or avoid: corn, zucchini, tomatoes, alfalfa, Hawaiian papaya, and sugar beets. But be careful with canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. While the fruit or veggie itself may not contain GMOs, additives to the product might.
So, how do you eat healthy and avoid GMOs? Labeling is getting better. Knowledge is your most important tool. It’s a lot to take in, but the more you read on the topic, the more familiar you will become with what to look for in your foods. Unfortunately for our families, the kinds of foods parents often give their children (cereals, snack bars, and other processed foods) contain GMOs. So, I offer two (hopefully simple!) pieces of advice:
1. Avoid frozen or processed foods whenever possible. This simply means eat food “in the raw,” fresh, or made from scratch.
2. Avoid the biggest violators of GMO: corn/canola and soy. There are other common GMO products, but these are the big ones. For a list of more, click here.
There is a great website, The Non-GMO Shopping Guide, that is helpful to navigate the grocery store! Click here to check it out.
I know this article only touches the surface of this topic. But hopefully it’s inspiring enough to get informed, read more, and make what you feel are the right choices for your family.
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User Comments - Navigating GMOs
Meg, I didn’t even know that a GMO was until I read this. Thanks for the informative write-up!
I usually make my own or buns and I also have two defrefint cracker recipes that we enjoy, or which also uses the almond meal leftover from when I make almond milk. You can of course buy organic bread. There are lots of sprouted grain breads and also organic crackers, cookies and other packaged snacks that you can buy. We used to love Mary’s Organic Crackers. The onion flavor is especially yummy! You can find these organic options in the natural foods section of your supermarket or at any health or organic food stores. I agree with thegentlehome (Brittany’s) comment though, when you decide to eat healthy and organic, you mostly have to make everything yourself to be sure that it is indeed wholesome. Hope that helps you!