Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are foods produced from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering. These techniques have allowed for the introduction of new traits as well as a far greater control over a food’s genetic structure than previously afforded by methods such as selective breeding and mutation breeding.

There is broad scientific consensus that food on the market derived from GM crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food. However, opponents have objected to GM foods on several grounds, including safety issues, environmental concerns, and economic concerns raised by the fact that GM seeds (and potentially animals) that are food sources are subject to intellectual property rights owned by corporations.

No reports of ill effects have been documented in the human population from genetically modified food despite the fact we’ve been eating genetically modified crops like soy, canola and corn in more than half of our processed foods since the 1990s.

According to a January 2015 poll by the Pew Research Foundation, less than 40 percent of American adults believe GMOs are safe for consumption while almost 90 percent of prominent scientists stand behind them.

whole foods errol shcweizer

Errol Schweizer, Whole Foods

The difference between public opinion and scientist opinion is largely due to advice groups supported by the commercial organic foods industry. Organic foods demand a premium, and cannot be grown in the quantities needed to supply a growing population. As a result supplying organic foods to a fearful public is highly profitable.

“Organic is the future of American agriculture,” said Errol Schweizer, executive global grocery coordinator for Whole Foods Market Inc. Organic crops are grown without GMO seeds.

Opponents of genetically modified food, such as the advocacy groups Organic Consumers Association, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Greenpeace, say risks have not been adequately identified and managed, and they have questioned the objectivity of regulatory authorities. Some groups say there are unanswered questions regarding the potential long-term impact on human health from food derived from GMOs, and propose mandatory labeling. All of these objections are hypothetical and focus on trust of authorities rather than any science to back the claims.