Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

GMO has been a very popular and controversial topic in the media within the past few years. GMO stands for genetically modified organisms, in which chemicals are used to aid the growth of the plants. Many people are not aware of the unknowns of GMOs, while others are very conscious about it and avoid them. The main unknown with GMOs are the chemicals used. Sometimes, the chemicals can be good, and can eliminate diseases that wipe out entire crops. The chemicals can also increase the sizes of the fruits and vegetables, making them bigger. Meat that includes GMO is made by GMO grown corn or other grains that are fed to the animals. The problem with this is that we don't know how these chemicals affect humans down the road. These GMOs have not been around long enough to do extensive testing on, therefore no one knows whether or not these chemicals will affect humans later on in life. Some tests have determined that they have no side effects now, but due to its newness no one definitively knows if they will affect humans or their children in the future. The chemicals may be completely fine and safe, or they could eventually create a spread of health problems. Stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, as well as many others, have a wide variety of all organic and GMO free foods. Brands such as Doritos and Tostitos are becoming aware of this surge in GMO free and organic lifestyles, and making some of their products GMO free or organic. There are two food labels that indicate that the food does not have GMO: the USDA Organic Label and the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. These allow customers to clearly see if the product is created using GMOs or not. If a product, whether it be meat, grains, produce or processed goods is organic, it means that it is grown without the use of chemicals to enhance it, and anything throughout the entire process is GMO free. This first category is included in the USDA Organic Label, and is enforced and tested by inspectors. If a product has the second label, Non-GMO Project Verified seal, it means that the testing has concluded it is GMO free, but because it is a non-profit organic it means that they cannot legally declare it GMO free. Essentially the only difference between the two is that the USDA regulates and legally declares products GMO free and organic, and the Non-GMO Project labels products GMO free but cannot legally declare them to be so. Although many people are making the switch to all or mostly organic, non GMO diets, many are continuing to purchase the normal products that are not organic and include GMOs. It is mainly a personal choice for people who switch their diets and want to live a healthier lifestyle.