Who knows about GMOs

What do you get when you cross a potato and a jellyfish? Potatoes that glow when they are thirsty.

Every week we seem to get more and more questions on GMO's. This is the second column we are writing about them, because it has been such a controversial topic, with widespread debates about whether labeling should be mandatory. Currently in the United States there are no laws requiring labeling of food products containing GMO ingredients. We often hear that GMOs are dangerous to human health as well as the health of the environment, but how harmful are they, and should we be concerned?

GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are plants and other organisms that have had their DNA artificially changed. Also known as genetic engineering, this process involves taking DNA from one organism, such as bacteria, and putting it in a plant. So why do we do this? This process gives crops certain advantages over wild varieties. For instance, DNA from bacteria has given corn protection from certain insects. Soy can now survive the pesticide Roundup. Other benefits include foods that stay fresh longer, provide higher yields, and reduced costs. They may also require fewer pesticides, provide resistance to poor growth conditions, and in certain cases produce nutrients that are difficult to get in certain areas of the world. So where is the harm?

There has been inconsistent research about whether these unnatural foods are safe. Some animal studies have shown damage to the digestive tract and other organs from eating large amounts. They can encourage unsustainable farming methods and allow the use of excessive pesticides, which can remain on the food when we buy it. Some believe it is simply not right to play with our food like this.

While these are real concerns, some non-GMO foods such as apples, grapes, peaches and others can actually contain higher pesticide levels than GM foods. Although the process in unnatural, we have been carefully breeding crops for hundreds of years to develop varieties that have similar advantages.

Government agencies, including the USDA, FDA, and EPA all have roles in ensuring the food we eat is safe. Although the research has given mixed signals, these agencies declare there is no clear evidence that GMOs are a major safety concern, especially when compared to other chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis, such as those from pollution (residential wood burning from stoves and fireplaces), plastic food containers, and water bottles.

Considering there still may be health concerns, it may be worth avoiding certain GM foods. If this is a concern to you consider the following:

The USDA Organic certification prevents the use of any GMO foods in products containing this label. This includes the "100 Percent Organic," "Certified Organic" and "Made with Organic" certifications that can be found on labels. Another labeling option is the Non-GMO Project, which certifies that labeled products use only non-GMO ingredients. Terms such as "natural" or "all-natural" do not mean they are non-GMO.

GMOs will remain a controversial topic until there is enough reliable research about their safety. Although there may be human and environmental health concerns with GMOs, there may be other more significant health concerns as well. If we keep this in perspective, and look for reliable and credible information, we can make informed decisions about our food choices.

Dr. SeAnne Safaii, Ph.D., RD, LD, is an associate professor at the University of Idaho.