GMO 2025: What Does It Mean & Is It Actually “Bad”?
GMO stands for "genetically modified organism," meaning an organism’s DNA has been altered1. This generally applies to our food, but any living organism can be genetically modified. Virtually all of the foods we eat today are genetically modified in some way2, and few of the fruits and veggies found today occur naturally3 without having undergone some form of genetic modification – but there are very good reasons for this.
Many crops are modified to resist pests, tolerate herbicides, or increase yields4. Others, such as golden rice, are engineered to provide essential nutrients, like vitamin A5, to combat deficiencies in certain regions. These changes help farmers grow food more efficiently and rely less on chemicals3.
Despite their benefits, GMOs are unfortunately surrounded by several myths1,3,6. For example, some people believe they harm the consumer1 and the environment. However, GMOs are not inherently harmful7, and all GMO products on the market are safe, so understanding their role is key to making informed food choices. This guide will help you understand the facts, myths, pros, and cons of GMOs.
What Is GMO Food?
GMOs are living organisms whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering1. These could include plants, animals, or microorganisms, and this process allows scientists to make precise changes, such as improving crop yields or increasing nutrient content.
Unlike traditional breeding, which has been used for thousands of years to increase desirable traits in crops and livestock, genetic engineering is faster and more precise8. Selective breeding9, which is an earlier form of genetic modification, helped ancient farmers create hardier grains and tastier fruits throughout several generations.
Modern genetic engineering means introducing traits quickly that wouldn’t naturally occur10, such as pest resistance or additional vitamins. For example, golden rice is genetically modified to contain more vitamin A, which helps address malnutrition in many parts of the world11.
In agriculture, GMOs improve efficiency by enabling crops like corn and soybeans to grow with less reliance on pesticides and herbicides. Genetic engineering also plays a vital role in medicine, producing lifesaving treatments like insulin12 and vaccines13.
While GMOs have transformed food security and healthcare, they’re not without controversy. Concerns include environmental impact, corporate control, and potential long-term health effects.
Why GMOs Are Important in the Modern World
GMOs serve various important purposes. These include improving health14, reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture15, and increasing our food supply. Here’s how they contribute:
GMOs in Agriculture
GMOs help increase crop yields, allowing farmers to grow more food on less land16. These crops are designed to be more resistant to pests, cutting down on the need for harmful chemical pesticides17,18. Many GMO crops are engineered to withstand extreme conditions like droughts or floods19,20,21, ensuring consistent food production despite unpredictable weather.
By making crops more resilient, GMOs help maintain food production during uncertain weather patterns, reducing the risk of crop failure. They also require fewer inputs, which saves farmers time and money on resources like water, fertilizer, and labor.
GMO crops can even reduce soil degradation by enabling farmers to use less intensive farming methods, making agriculture more sustainable. For example, crops like Bt corn22 and Roundup Ready23 soybeans have been widely adopted for their environmental and economic benefits.
GMOs in Nutrition
GMOs can address nutrient deficiencies in developing countries by fortifying staple crops. For example, crops like golden rice are fortified with essential nutrients like vitamin A24,25. Genetic engineering can also reduce harmful elements in food, such as allergens, toxins, and antinutrients26.
Additionally, GMO crops can be engineered to offer better shelf life (such as Arctic Apples27), reducing food waste and improving nutrition availability. They also improve the nutritional content of animal feed28, leading to healthier livestock products.
GMOs in Health
Genetic engineering plays a vital role in the production of life-saving medicines29, such as insulin for diabetics. It’s also used to create vaccines, which improve public health and disease prevention worldwide. Medical researchers use genetically modified organisms to develop treatments for various diseases, and some plants can even be modified so that they can be eaten as a vaccine29.
In addition, GMOs are used in pharmaceutical production, helping reduce costs and make treatments more accessible. The development of disease-resistant GMO crops helps prevent health risks related to foodborne illnesses30 as well.
Potential Challenges & Downsides to Genetic Modification
GMOs1 available on the market are carefully assessed for both human and environmental risks before they go on the market – however, some challenges and fears surrounding them still exist. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Crossbreeding with wild species31: GMOs may crossbreed with wild relatives, potentially creating "superweeds" or "superpests", which are resistant to herbicides or pesticides. This could make it harder to manage invasive species and disrupt ecosystems. Controlling gene flow between GMOs and wild species remains a focus of ongoing research.
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Biodiversity loss1: Relying on a small number of GMO crop varieties could reduce biodiversity. If farmers favor specific modified crops over traditional or diverse varieties, the genetic range of available plants may shrink. This loss of diversity could make agriculture more vulnerable to pests, diseases, or changing climates.
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Allergic reactions1: Some fear that GMOs might introduce new allergens into the food supply. While regulatory agencies closely monitor this risk, concerns persist about unforeseen allergic responses. Careful testing and labeling help reduce potential health risks.
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Development of resistance31: Pests and weeds may adapt to genetically engineered traits over time. This can lead to resistant populations, requiring increased use of chemicals or the development of new GMO traits. Balancing short-term effectiveness with long-term sustainability is a challenge for GMO management.
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Gene flow and contamination31: GMO crops may unintentionally cross-pollinate with organic or non-GMO crops. This can lead to contamination that affects market value, organic certifications, or ecosystem balance. Preventing unwanted gene flow is critical to addressing these concerns.
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Ethical concerns31: Altering an organism’s genes, especially in food production, raises ethical questions for some people. Critics argue that genetic modification interferes with nature or poses unknown risks to future generations. These debates influence public perception and policies around GMOs.
Why Are GMOs Controversial?
GMOs often spark debate due to concerns about their safety, environmental impact, and ethical implications. While studies show they are safe to eat7, misinformation and distrust continue to fuel public skepticism. Here’s why people are hesitant about GMOs:
| Controversy | Explanation |
| Health concerns | Despite evidence supporting their safety, some fear GMOs pose health risks that aren't fully understood. |
| Misinformation | Many believe genetic engineering is unnatural, often comparing it unfairly to traditional breeding methods. |
| Misunderstanding the science | A lack of understanding about GMO safety testing fuels public fear. |
| Media coverage | The media often highlights extreme examples, overshadowing the proven benefits of GMOs. |
| Fearmongering | Activist groups and influencers sometimes spread fear without scientific backing, increasing distrust. |
| Corporate control | GMOs are associated with monopolies in food production, leading to skepticism about corporate motives. |
| Environmental concerns | Fears include unintended consequences like cross-contamination of non-GMO crops or resistant pests. |
| Lack of transparency | Consumers feel there's insufficient labeling or clear information about GMOs in their food. |
| Corporate influence | Distrust stems from biotech companies’ profit motives and perceived lack of competition. |
| Cultural and ethical concerns | Some view genetic modification as interfering with nature or crossing ethical boundaries. |
| History of corporate malfeasance | Past controversies with companies like Monsanto contribute to skepticism about biotechnology ethics. |
| Fear of new technology | Anxiety about unfamiliar technologies, particularly those impacting food and the environment, adds to public hesitation. |
Most Common GMO Crops (& Why They’re Important)
Though there are many GMO crops today, here are the most common and why they matter32:
Corn
GMO corn is used for animal feed and processed foods like high-fructose corn syrup. It’s modified to resist pests and tolerate herbicides, reducing the need for chemical spraying. Bt corn produces proteins that target pests, making it more eco-friendly as well.
Soybean
GMO soybeans are vital in animal feed and processed foods. They’re modified to withstand herbicides, helping farmers manage weeds. Increased productivity supports both the food and biofuel industries.
Cotton
GMO cotton resists pests like bollworms, helping maintain cotton yields. It’s also used for cottonseed oil in food products. The modification supports the textile industry by ensuring a reliable cotton supply.
Potato
GMO potatoes resist pests and diseases, cutting down on pesticide use. Some varieties prevent bruising and browning, reducing food waste. They also improve storage and transportation efficiency.
Papaya
The GMO Rainbow papaya was engineered to resist the ringspot virus that nearly destroyed Hawaii’s papaya industry. This modification saved the industry and helped local farmers continue producing the fruit.
Summer Squash
GMO summer squash is resistant to plant viruses, reducing crop loss. Though not widely grown, it was one of the first GMO crops available. It helped pave the way for more GMO crop development.
Canola
GMO canola is mainly used for oil production in cooking and packaged foods. It’s herbicide-resistant, which makes weed control easier and boosts crop productivity. It ensures a stable supply for the oil industry.
Alfalfa
GMO alfalfa is used as livestock feed, particularly for dairy cows. It’s herbicide-resistant, providing higher yields and better quality hay. This modification supports the livestock industry’s feed needs.
Apple
Some GMO apples resist browning after being cut, extending shelf life and reducing food waste. This ensures fresher apples for consumers and retailers, improving convenience and reducing loss.
Sugar Beet
GMO sugar beets account for more than half of the sugar produced in the US. They’re herbicide-resistant, allowing for efficient weed management and a steady sugar supply.
Pink Pineapple
The GMO pink pineapple was developed with increased lycopene levels, giving it a distinct pink color. This modification offers potential antioxidant benefits and adds variety to the market.
Types & Methods of Genetic Modification
Genetic engineering involves modifying an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits. Here are some of the ways this happens:
Selective Breeding33
Selective breeding means picking and choosing organisms with desirable traits to reproduce over a long period of time. It's a very old method of genetic modification, enhancing an organism's specific characteristics like disease resistance or the ability to increase crop yields. It's been used for centuries and is the first known type of genetic modification.
Virtually all crops and animals known to man have been selectively bred for thousands of years. This has helped crops succeed and produce better, more resilient, nutritious, and flavorful yields over time.
Traditional Genetic Modification34
Traditional genetic modification involves adding a foreign gene into an organism’s DNA to give it new traits. For example, scientists might add a gene to a plant to make it resistant to pests or drought. This method has been used for decades, especially in genetically modified crops.
Gene Editing (CRISPR-Cas9)34
Gene editing, especially using CRISPR, allows scientists to make very specific changes to an organism’s DNA. This method is faster and more accurate than older techniques and doesn’t require introducing foreign DNA. It’s widely used in research and is quickly becoming a key tool in medicine and agriculture.
Transgenesis35
Transgenesis is the process of moving genes between different species. This means scientists can take a gene from one organism and insert it into another to give it new traits. It’s often used in genetically modified crops to make them resistant to pests or tolerant to herbicides.
Other Modern Genetic Modification Techniques
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Mutagenesis36: This method involves exposing organisms to chemicals or radiation to cause random mutations. It’s less precise but has been used for a long time to develop crops with new traits, such as resistance to disease or faster growth. Mutagenesis has helped create many of the crops we rely on today.
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RNA interference (RNAi)37: RNAi is a technique that stops certain genes from being active without changing the DNA itself. It’s used to prevent harmful traits, like reducing the browning in apples. RNAi can also be used in medicine to control gene expression.
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Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)38: SCNT involves taking the nucleus from a regular cell and putting it into an egg cell. While it’s mainly used for cloning, it can also be used to modify genes in animals. SCNT allows scientists to create genetically identical animals with specific traits.
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Synthetic biology39: This involves creating new genetic material or even new organisms from scratch. Instead of just modifying existing DNA, scientists design new genetic sequences. Synthetic biology holds potential for things like new medicines, biofuels, or even artificial life forms.
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Epigenetic modifications40: This technique changes how genes are used without changing the DNA itself. It works by adding chemical tags or proteins to DNA that affect gene activity. Epigenetic changes are temporary and can help control traits without permanently altering the genetic code.
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Protoplast fusion41: Protoplast fusion involves removing the cell walls from 2 different plant species and fusing their cells together. It creates hybrids that combine the best traits of both plants, like better resistance to pests or stronger growth. This technique is mainly used in plant breeding.
The First Commercially Available GMO Crops
Though genetic modification has been studied since the 1970s, the first commercialized GMO crop was tobacco in China in the early 1990s. In 1994, the USDA approved the first edible GMO crop called the “Flavr Savr” tomato31.
The Flavr Savr tomato was developed to have a longer shelf life and resist rotting by slowing down the softening process. However, it was eventually discontinued because it cost too much to produce, reducing its overall profitability.
How GMOs Are Regulated
In the US, the FDA, EPA, and USDA regulate the production and distribution of GMO foods42. The Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology (1986)43 outlines their collaborative roles in ensuring the safety of GMOs for human, animal, and environmental health.
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA regulates most human and animal food, including GMOs, making sure they meet the same safety standards as non-GMO foods. The agency sets rules for the production, processing, storage, and sale of GMO foods. Through its Voluntary Plant Biotechnology Consultation Program, the FDA evaluates the safety of GMO foods before they hit the market.
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA handles the regulation of pesticides, including those used on GMO crops. It monitors the safety of plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) in GMO plants and tracks the environmental impact of pesticides in farming. This helps prevent harm to ecosystems from the use of chemicals in GMO agriculture.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works to protect agriculture from pests and diseases. It sets guidelines to keep GMO plants from harming other plants or the environment. The USDA’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services also enforces regulations to safeguard agricultural systems.
Coordination Among Agencies
The FDA, EPA, and USDA all work together to make sure GMOs are safe and regulated properly. By collaborating, these agencies create and implement consistent safety standards, which help protect human health, the environment, and agricultural practices.
What Does “Non-GMO” Mean?
Most of the food we eat today has been genetically altered in some way, whether through selective breeding or genetic modification. The term "non-GMO" can be seen as misleading to a certain degree because virtually everything we consume has been genetically altered.
Genetic Alteration Is Everywhere
Selective breeding has been used for centuries to enhance desirable traits in crops44, such as size, taste, or resistance to disease. This method isn’t considered genetic engineering, even though it changes the genetic makeup of the plant over time33.
Genetic engineering, on the other hand, involves directly manipulating an organism’s DNA in a lab to achieve specific traits, like pest resistance or drought tolerance33.
“Non-GMO” Doesn’t Mean “Untouched”
Products labeled "GMO-free" are rare, and most foods, including ones listed as “organic”, have been altered in some way, typically through selective breeding. Even if something is labeled "GMO-free," it’s unlikely to be completely free from genetic changes because selective breeding is still a form of genetic modification.
Verifying Non-GMO Claims
To know if a product is truly non-GMO, you’d need to trace its history and cultivation methods. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to verify whether a product has been completely untouched by genetic changes, even if labeled non-GMO. It’s therefore safe to assume that, for the most part, every food we eat is no longer in its original form from thousands of years ago.
FAQ
Are GMOs healthy or unhealthy?
GMOs are generally considered safe for human consumption by major health organizations, including the FDA, WHO, and the National Academy of Sciences. Extensive research has shown that GMO foods are just as healthy as their non-GMO counterparts.
That said, some people choose to avoid GMOs due to concerns over potential long-term health effects, though there’s no solid scientific evidence supporting these fears. Most GMO foods are tested for safety before reaching the market, and the overall consensus is that they’re safe to eat.
Should you avoid GMO foods?
No, there’s no reason to avoid GMO foods, as they have been shown to be just as safe as non-GMO foods. All GMO products available have gone through careful testing to ensure there is no risk to humans or the environment. Many regulatory bodies, including the FDA and WHO, have found no evidence of harmful health effects.
However, some people avoid GMOs due to personal preferences or concerns about the environmental impact of GMO farming. If you're concerned, you can opt for organic or non-GMO-certified products, as these are not grown with genetically modified organisms in the US.
What are examples of GMO foods?
Common examples of GMO foods include corn, soybeans, cotton, and potatoes. These crops have been modified to be more resistant to pests, tolerate herbicides, or have longer shelf lives.
Other GMO foods include papayas (like the Rainbow papaya), which are resistant to certain viruses, and genetically modified apples that resist browning. These products are widely available and used in both food and industrial applications.
What do GMOs do to food?
GMO technology alters the DNA of crops to introduce new traits like pest resistance, improved nutritional content, or increased yield. These changes can improve the efficiency of food production and reduce the need for pesticides.
GMO modification also helps enhance food shelf life, reduce spoilage, and increase resistance to environmental stresses like drought. The goal is to produce more resilient crops that contribute to a more sustainable food supply.
References
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2. https://www.farmaid.org/issues/gmos/gmos-what-eaters-need-to-know/#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20up,you%20eat%20depend%20on%20GMOs
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7164548/
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10. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetic-Engineering
11. https://www.irri.org/golden-rice-faqs
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22. https://ejbpc.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41938-018-0051-2
23. https://web.mit.edu/demoscience/Monsanto/about.html
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28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4015968/
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31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3791249/#Sec7
32. https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/gmo-crops-animal-food-and-beyond
33. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002432.htm
34. https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/types-genetic-modification-methods-crops
35. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/transgenesis
36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215771/
37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31285292/
38. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9932293/
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40. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10009104/
41. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10005591/
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