The majority of Americans would like to see labels on foods that contain genetically modified, or GM, ingredients as long as it didn't increase costs significantly, according to Colorado State University Extension. As of the time of publication, any labels regarding GM ingredients in the U.S. are totally voluntary. You can take steps to avoid products containing GM ingredients even without mandatory labeling.
Labeling Laws
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are against mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms, stating that there is no evidence these foods are different in terms of nutritional quality or allergies than their unmodified counterparts. They say that such labeling would be false or misleading advertising and might lead people to discriminate against these products.
Main GM Foods
The main GM food crops available in the U.S. are soy, corn, cottonseed, canola, Hawaiian pineapple, sugar beets and small amounts of zucchini and yellow squash, according to the Institute for Responsible Technology. About 70 percent of processed foods contain some type of GM ingredient. Most sugar in North America is a mix of sugar from GM sugar beets and cane sugar, for example, unless the label states pure cane sugar.
Avoiding GM Products
Avoiding processed foods can eliminate a lot of GM products, as can purchasing organic products, since these cannot legally contain GM ingredients. Another option is to purchase foods with the Non-GMO Project seal, or purchase products made by the companies listed in the Non-GMO Shopping Guide available from the Non-GMO Project.
Considerations
There is no proven health risk to consuming GM products, so whether you want to take the time and effort and spend the extra money to avoid products that may contain GM ingredients is up to you. Eating fewer processed foods and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains is healthful, so there is no harm in avoiding GM foods.
References
- "Los Angeles Times"; GMO Food Labeling Fight; Rosie Mestel; April 2010
- Colorado State University Extension; Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods; P. Byrne; September 2010
- Planet Green; A Guide to Avoiding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) at the Grocery Store; Colleen Vanderlinden; January 2010
- Institute for Responsible Technology; Non-GMO Shopping Guide; February 2010
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