Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 12/20/2011

Question
Hi Dana,

I buy my vegetables at Krogers Supermarket. They aren't in the "Organic Vegetable" section and I've been wondering if the've been genetically modified. I have read where, in particular, sugar beets, alfalfa, some varieties of zuchinni squash, crookneck squash, soy, canola oil,and cottonseed oil have been genetically modified. I have also read, mostly on the internet, about the negative effects that these GMO foods can have on humans and animals.
Am I worrying too much, or are there real dangers in eating GMO type foods?

Thank you much for any help.

Best..Mike E.

Answer
Dear Mike,

At the moment, no one is required to label foods as containing GMOs.  So you're left guessing.  It's possible your produce (and other foods) contain GMOs, and it's possible they don't.

As for the possible effects:  you are really not very likely to suffer anything bad from these.  Most of the genetic modification currently being done is to add a gene for resistance to pests, or to increase yield.  Whether or not there is a risk to anyone who eats these GMOs is arguable.  We may not know for decades.  And it also depends on exactly what genes have been inserted into the organism you're eating.  Most of these would truly be benign, and the others...we just don't know for absolute certain yet.

If you are concerned, you might consider buying organic produce.  I'm not sure they are healthier for you (even organic food has its risks, such as being contaminated with E. coli in the field), but they are certainly more ecologically sustainable.  So you can feel good about that, as well as knowing you're not eating GMOs.

Hope that helps.

Dana