The GMO and Organic Food Debate: What does the Science Really Say?

Are you a part of it? You know, all of the information and (sometimes) nonsense media coverage around our food system, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) and Organic foods.

Between the petitions, debates, advocacy, global government legislation, “research”, marketing, fear-mongering, and ability to hide a few known facts through the real science, it can become difficult to know who and what to believe when it comes to GMO’s or Organic food (if you don’t have a Registered Dietitian on speed dial that is).

The issues of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s) and organic farming have been around for many decades. Produce sections in grocery stores are extending their organic quantities, and the “non-GMO” labeling on packages has become one of the most prominent negative claims on your favourite cookie or loaf of bread (more on that later).

But where’s the research? The truth? The scientific studies that show whether something is actually harmful to our being or not? When so many studies are completed with bias, funding from large corporations, or on the basis that it is easier to scare people than it is to inform them, you can imagine the discrepancy I have when I read through some studies and try to piece together the information to relay to the masses.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a screening of a movie documentary, Food Evolution, directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy and narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Although I have been immersed in the science of GMO’s and Organic foods (and tampered science) and articles for a number of years, it truly made me dive into this post, giving you all some more information about these two hot topics, especially after having the opportunity to listen in to a panel of experts and first-hand farmers who have needed to evolve with changing technology and demands.

It seems that the rallies, petitions, legislation and banning of GMO’s in some countries have caused quite the stir amongst certain groups of people. And when we are all told to use our voices and be heard, there has to be some form of separation between using your voice to advocate for truth and science, versus using your voice to instill fear in others around you because you are voicing an opinion not based on true facts.   So, what exactly are GMO’s and genetic engineering?

GMO’s are defined as a genome that has been altered by the techniques of genetic engineering, so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there. The basis of genetic engineering is to add positive traits to these organisms to help with weed control, disease, pest resistance, drought, nutrition enhancement, and other factors to help stabilize crops in a better way. When reviewing the numerous studies on the benefits or risks associated with GM-foods, all results state “may”, “could”, or indication that “there is a great deal of unknown”.

Consider this: What would happen if a virus struck your favourite fruits and vegetables to the point where they were wiped obsolete? What about Mother Nature? What if she hit your favourite farms with a 6-month drought? Food wouldn’t grow. Crops would be wiped out and food production would decrease, or in some cases stop growing. Farmers agree that technology is needed in order to make farming sustainable for the growing population of the world, and tools and resources are required in order to make this happen, including genetic engineering.

Consumers (some) seem to be quick to blame the food we eat and the food system for so many of our “ailments” and “issues” that surface daily, and although farming techniques have evolved over the years in order to feed a growing population, coupled with the fact that there are fewer farmers with each passing year, you better believe some things needed to change to improve technology and keep up with demand. Unless if you and everyone you know is ready, willing and able to pop up your own garden and start feeding your families from farm to table, we need to evolve as a human race with these facts – I mean we rarely use a pen and paper to send a letter much anymore. We have evolved in so many other areas of life, why all of the slack with the way the food system has needed to evolve to keep up with the demands? And I’m specifically speaking about farm fresh foods here. I am not oblivious to the thousands of packaged products with “other” ingredients in them (or in their packaging) that the world is presented with as “healthy”, which is a whole other article. But let’s compare apples to apples here! And then ask yourself are GM foods the issue? Or is your relationship with food easier to blame on this crop of food? (Yes, I know it always comes down to that with me….but just trying to be real here).

If you are someone who asks questions and always wants to know where your food comes from, well, I have to commend you. There is a ton going on with our food system these days, marketing that places fear in the consumer to create a buy-in towards one product or another, as well as the ability to sway a claim that you read on a package. If you are purchasing and preparing fresh fruits and vegetables, you are already doing something right. Taking the time to be in the kitchen to bring ingredients together, which is even more powerful when you get your children involved too, is a huge step towards bringing more health into your body. If you opt towards having a grocery cart full of pre-packaged prepared foods or ready to eat dinners the majority of your days, then along with that comes added ingredients your body doesn’t necessarily need, which may be wreaking more havoc on your system.

But at what fine line do we shed a little more common sense towards the “where does my food come from” question to prevent the obsession that could result if worry and fear take over? Organic farming is becoming more mainstream, which is great for our environment, and possibly better for your health. Fewer use of and/or more natural pesticides and herbicides create a food that has been cultivated in a “cleaner” way. Though it has been shown that organic food does not bare more nutrition than non-organic food, many individuals prefer to choose these foods because of the way the seed is brought to life. The unfortunate part of this equation is that we don’t have a set standard that dictates to what degree a food is organic yet, unless if you know you have grown it in your own garden, with your own hands, cultivated in your soil over the years – like I do with my grandfather’s garden. Many non-organic gardens did not used to be organic, so there may be some form of pesticide-element leaching within the soil. There are also “organic” products which farmers can still use, provided they are labeled as such. Are there less toxins than previous years? Probably so. But this is why there are no set guidelines to compare one organic apple to another.

It is important to look at the research whenever we can, however more important to review the funding basis, sample populations, or any possible “sways” in the study results. How do we trust science that is relayed from a company to produce data that is biased or not? From the study, you must review the independent science that was completed and not funded. Of the 2000 studies completed on GMO’s, more than half are independent, providing global bodies of evidence that indicate there to be no proof of adverse health effects related to GMO’s, and that GMO’s are safe to eat. In fact, each new product needs to be tested for health and environmental safety before it actually is available to you.

Canada has not legislated the labeling of GMO’s on food packages, as the government feels that it is largely a marketing tactic that is misleading, not to mention Canadian standards for food regulation are one of the strictest in the world. Many companies can still provide this information to the consumer, however, these are known as negative claims or voluntary by Health Canada, meaning:

“In Canada, voluntary claims on foods that are and are not products of genetic engineering may be made provided such claims are truthful, not misleading or deceptive, and not likely to create an erroneous impression of a food’s character, value, composition, merit or safety, and in compliance with all other requirements set out under the FDA, the CPLA and other applicable legislation.”

In the end, I always commend when questions are asked. However, I always encourage you to use a little common sense and if the research is unclear or at all “persuasive”, poke out to someone who can clarify it for you. The people who are not going to sway you with their own food beliefs, but rather provide you with the information that allows you to live a life as healthy as possible.

And the Movie?   Food Evolution. Click here to gain access to it. You won’t regret it. And continue your read here, where I share my take-homes from the movie, along what You can do as consumers moving forward.

There is no knowing where our food system will steer in the coming decades, but if you can include more food from farm to table in your daily diet, cook more foods from scratch, at home and with your families, and choose foods with real ingredients or as natural as possible, then you are already in the green zone!