GMOs and Food Safety: A Guide for Health Educators

Summary

This video script provides clear, evidence-based information to health educators about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). It addresses common questions such as the safety of GMO foods, their regulation by federal agencies, their relationship to allergies and cancer, and their equivalency to non-GMO foods in terms of health benefits. The script emphasizes that GMOs are safe for consumption, held to the same standards as non-GMOs, and do not cause health issues like celiac disease or cancer. It reassures viewers that scientific research supports the safety of GMOs in the food supply.

Takeaways

• 😀 GMOs are safe to eat and are as healthful as their non-GMO counterparts.
• 😀 GMO foods have been available since the 1990s, and extensive research supports their safety.
• 😀 Both GMO and non-GMO foods are held to the same food safety standards.
• 😀 Federal agencies like the FDA, USDA, and EPA regulate GMOs to ensure safety for humans, animals, and the environment.
• 😀 GMO crops are not linked to allergies, and their creation allows precise knowledge of protein changes.
• 😀 GMOs do not cause celiac disease, which is triggered by gluten in wheat, rye, and barley—none of which are GMO crops in the U.S.
• 😀 There is no GMO wheat, rye, or barley available for consumers in the U.S.
• 😀 Research shows no connection between GMOs and cancer, as cancer rates in GMO-consuming regions are similar to those in non-GMO regions.
• 😀 Most characteristics of GMOs are similar to those of non-GMO foods that have been eaten for thousands of years.
• 😀 Health educators can confidently reassure clients that GMOs are safe based on thorough research and regulation.

Q & A

What are GMOs?

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are crops or organisms that have been altered using biotechnology to introduce desirable traits, such as pest resistance or improved nutritional value.

Are GMO foods safe to eat?

Yes, extensive research has shown that GMO foods are as safe and healthful to eat as their non-GMO counterparts. GMO foods are held to the same food safety standards as non-GMO foods.

How long have GMO foods been available to consumers?

GMO foods have been available to consumers since the 1990s.

What federal agencies regulate GMOs?

Several federal agencies regulate GMOs in the U.S., including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Are GMOs connected to allergies?

GMOs are created in a way that allows scientists to identify precisely which new proteins are introduced into a plant. These developments are monitored to ensure that no new allergens are introduced.

Can GMOs cause celiac disease?

No, GMOs do not cause celiac disease. Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten, which is naturally present in wheat, rye, and barley. There are currently no GMO wheat, rye, or barley varieties available in the U.S.

Do GMO foods cause cancer?

No, GMO crops are not changed in ways that would increase the risk of cancer. Research shows that cancer rates in the U.S., where GMOs are commonly consumed, are similar to those in Europe and the U.K., where GMOs are not widely consumed.

How do GMO foods compare to non-GMO foods?

Most GMO foods are very similar to non-GMO foods in terms of health and safety. The main difference lies in the specific traits that have been altered or enhanced through genetic modification, but these changes do not make them less healthy.

Are GMOs tested for environmental safety?

Yes, GMOs undergo extensive testing and regulation to ensure they are safe for the environment. Agencies like the EPA monitor GMO crops to ensure they do not pose risks to ecosystems or wildlife.

Why are GMOs not linked to cancer despite being widely consumed in the U.S.?

The lack of a connection between GMOs and cancer is supported by research showing that cancer rates in the U.S. are similar to those in Europe and the U.K., where GMOs are less common. This suggests that GMOs are not responsible for increased cancer rates.