Debunking the 9 Most Common Myths About GMOs

July 18, 2023 - Misconceptions about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have formed due to factors such as limited understanding of the science behind genetic engineering, fear of unknown consequences, media portrayal that focuses on controversies and risks, the spread of misinformation through social media outlets, and visceral emotional responses related to health, environment, ethics, and cultural values.

These factors have contributed to the development and perpetuation of misconceptions despite scientific consensus supporting genetic modification's safety and potential benefits. In the scientific community, there is little dispute or controversy regarding the safety of these crops.

While roughly 90% of scientists, including the American Medical Association (AMA), the National Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the World Health Organization (WHO), hold the belief that GMOs are safe, only slightly over one-third of consumers share this perspective.

What Are GMOs?

Genetic engineering involves transferring specific DNA from one organism to another — altering the DNA of organisms and creating GMOs. While genetically modified animals are primarily used for research, genetically modified plants have become prevalent in the global food system.

In 1994, there was a significant transformation in the agricultural landscape of the United States as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first commercially cultivated GMO to be grown on American farmland.

Regulatory agencies such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and FDA collaborate to ensure the safety of GMO crops for humans, animals, and the environment. Their collective efforts focus on evaluating and approving the safety of genetically engineered crops.

The EPA specifically oversees the safety of plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), substances within GMO plants that function as pesticides. These PIPs often confer resistance to insects or diseases. Additionally, the EPA regulates the safety of other pesticides used on both GMO and non-GMO crops.

“To some degree, everything is genetically modified,” said Erma Levy, MPH, RD, LD, a research dietitian at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, in an MD Anderson article.

Despite being extensively used in diverse industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences, numerous prevailing myths are associated with GMOs. Here are the top misconceptions related to GMOs in these sectors:

Myth: GMOs Are Unsafe for Human Consumption.

Fact: Scientific studies and regulatory agencies worldwide have consistently affirmed the safety of GMOs for human consumption. In a comprehensive report published in 2016, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine stated that GMOs are no more risky than conventionally bred crops.

Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority reviewed over 1,000 scientific studies in 2020 and concluded that GMOs pose no higher risk to human health than their non-GMO counterparts.

These findings align with the consensus reached by reputable organizations, such as the WHO and AMA, asserting safety.

As of January 2022, more than 3,000 scientific studies have assessed the safety of crops in terms of human health and environmental impact. Overall, the weight of scientific evidence supports the conclusion that GMOs are safe for human consumption.

Myth: GMOs Cause Allergic Reactions.

Fact: Scientific research has consistently demonstrated that GMOs do not pose a significant risk of causing allergic reactions. GMOs are rigorously assessed, including evaluating potential allergenicity.

Food allergies primarily stem from allergens in a limited set of nine foods — peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, sesame, and fish. To illustrate, soy, an allergenic food, can be found in GMOs. According to the FDA, if a person is allergic to traditional (non-GMO) soy-based products, they would also be allergic to GMO soy-based foods. Conversely, without an allergy to conventional soy-based foods, people do not exhibit an allergic reaction to GMO soy-based foods.

Scientists who develop GMOs conduct thorough testing to ensure that allergens are not transferred from one food to another. Extensive research indicates that GMO foods are no more likely to provoke allergies compared to non-GMOs.

For instance, a 2020 Foods study examined the allergenicity of genetically modified soybeans. Researchers concluded that genetically modified soybeans were just as safe as non-GM soybeans, with no increased allergenic potential found. These findings and numerous other studies provide a solid scientific foundation for dispelling concerns about GMOs causing allergic reactions.

Myth: GMOs Cause Cancer.

Fact: Multiple scientific studies and regulatory assessments have consistently shown that GMOs are not linked to increased cancer risks.

Agencies such as the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, WHO, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have all affirmed the safety of GMOs and found no evidence linking them to cancer. The Cancer Council has also declared no proven evidence of a link between genetically modified foods on the market and cancer risk.

These recent and reputable references provide robust scientific evidence to dispel the unfounded claim that GMOs cause cancer.

Myth: GMOs Are Not Well-Regulated.

Fact: Scientific evidence has consistently demonstrated the effective regulation of GMOs.

Regulatory agencies such as the EPA, FDA, and USDA collaborate closely to ensure the safety of GMO crops for humans, animals, and the environment. Their collective efforts focus on evaluating and approving the safety of genetically engineered crops.

A PLOS ONE study analyzed the environmental impacts of genetically modified crops and found that, on average, these crops reduced pesticide use by 37% and increased crop yields by 22%. The study also highlighted the strict regulatory frameworks in place, emphasizing the rigorous evaluation of GMOs before their approval for commercial cultivation.

Another study reviewed over 1,700 scientific publications and concluded that GMOs are no riskier than their conventional counterparts. These findings, combined with the extensive regulatory oversight by government agencies, provide substantial evidence supporting the well-regulated nature of GMOs.

Myth: GMOs Threaten Biodiversity.

Fact: Genetic modification techniques allow for precise changes in specific genes and traits, which can contribute to biodiversity preservation by enhancing crop resilience and reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

Scientific research conducted in recent years proves that GMOs do not significantly threaten biodiversity.

In a 2014 publication, researchers conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of genetically modified crops on biodiversity. By examining data from 147 original studies, they concluded that utilizing genetically modified crops did not result in significant detrimental effects on the diversity of plant and animal populations.

Research indicates that GMOs can affect ecosystems differently depending on the traits introduced. For example, insect-resistant GMOs may reduce the need for chemical insecticides, potentially benefiting non-target organisms. However, it acknowledges the importance of monitoring and assessing long-term effects to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Myth: GMOs Are Designed for Corporate Benefit and Agribusiness.

Fact: Genetic engineering offers a variety of benefits, including more nutritious and flavorful food, disease- and drought-resistant plants requiring fewer resources, reduced pesticide use, increased food supply with lower costs and longer shelf life, faster growth of plants and animals, food with desirable traits (e.g., lower cancer-causing substances in fried potatoes), and the potential for medicinal foods serving as vaccines or medicines.

According to the FDA, the primary purpose behind developing most GMO crops grown today is to assist farmers in mitigating crop loss. The three prevailing traits frequently found in GMO crops include the following:

1. Insect resistance
2. Herbicide tolerance
3. Virus resistance

Recent scientific findings also demonstrate that GMOs can offer substantial benefits beyond the interests of corporations and agribusiness, positively impacting farmers, productivity, and sustainability.

Myth: GMOs Are Linked to Pollinator Decline.

Fact: Scientific research has consistently shown that GMOs are not responsible for the decline in pollinator species.

A meta-analysis examined the potential effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize, a genetically modified crop, on honeybee colonies. The researchers found no adverse effects on honey bee colony performance or overwintering survival when comparing colonies fed with Bt maize pollen to those fed with non-Bt maize pollen.

This finding and numerous others provide robust scientific evidence debunking the notion that GMOs are responsible for the decline in pollinator species. Instead, other factors — such as climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use, and diseases — contribute to pollinator decline. GMOs, in themselves, are not the primary cause of this decline.

Myth: GMOs Are Not Adequately Labeled.

Fact: Starting from January 1, 2022, a requirement for mandatory GMO labeling was implemented.

This labeling regulation entails that food products and their packaging must display a small seal or include text indicating whether they are "bioengineered" or "derived from bioengineering." The enforcement of this labeling rule is primarily carried out in response to complaints or reports of non-compliance.

“By providing a uniform national standard for labeling bioengineered foods, [the United States] can increase transparency in our food system and give consumers information about the bioengineered status of their foods,” said Anna Waller, marketing specialist with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, during a 2020 webinar.

Myth: GMOs Lack Significant Societal Benefits.

Fact: GMOs have brought several benefits, such as improved crop yields, enhanced nutritional content, reduced pesticide usage, and increased disease resistance, contributing to global food security and improved healthcare options.

GMOs have been extensively studied and scientifically proven to deliver significant societal benefits. Recent research has demonstrated the positive impact of GMOs in various areas. For instance, a meta-analysis found that genetically modified technology adoption has helped increase agricultural yields by up to 22%, reduce pesticide use by 37%, and raise farmer profits by 68%. This has contributed to improving global food security and reduced the environmental impact of agriculture.

Furthermore, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Nutrition highlighted that GMOs could address critical challenges such as malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies by enhancing the nutritional content of crops. These findings collectively support that GMOs are vital in addressing societal needs and advancing sustainable agriculture.

It's important to note that these myths are widely debunked by scientific evidence and expert consensus. However, public perception and understanding of GMOs can vary, and ongoing dialogue and education are crucial for informed decision-making.