You've probably heard a lot about GMO's... but do you know what they actually are? While it can seem complicated and scientific, it's actually really easy to understand once you break it down.

GMO stands for "Genetically Modified Organism" and refers to any organism that has had its DNA modified using genetic engineering technology.

The reason they modify the DNA is to improve:

• Growth
• Nutritional Content
• Sustainability
• Pest Resistance
• Ease of Farming

Are GMO's Good or Bad?

Ultimately, it's up for you to decide. They have their pros like making food grow more and keeping pests away, but there are also downsides to this process too.

Herbicide Use

Most GMO crops are resistant to herbicides like Roundup, so it's a popular option amongst farmers. However, Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate are subject to controversy because animal and test-tube studies have linked them to various diseases. There is new evidence that glyphosate exposure may increase the relative risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma by 41%.

Cancer

DNA Mutations can cause cancers, so there is a prevailing belief that eating foods with added genes might affect your DNA. However, there's no evidence to link GMO food intake to an increased or decreased risk of cancer. That being said, more long-term human research is still needed.

Honeybees

There has also been concern that pollen from Bt crops may negatively impact honeybees. More research is still needed at this time.

What Genetically Modified Foods Are Sold in Canada?

Health Canada has made a comprehensive list of all the genetically modified foods that are allowed to be sold in Canada. You can research how they assess the safety of different genetically modified foods and create a list for yourself of which foods are safe to eat.

GMO vs. Organic

While GMO's might not seem as scary as they once were, there are still concerns about the impact on the food industry. Organic produce isn't perfect, but it does have several pros over GMO's, such as:

• Fewer synthetic chemicals - While organic crops still usually use natural pesticides, they stay away from synthetic chemicals in the herbicides that GMO crops use.
• Environment - Organic foods are much better for the environment over the synthetic options that GMO's use. They are better for the soil, provides more biodiversity and lessens pollution.
• Animal Welfare - Organic crops can yield multiple advantages for wildlife and farm animals.
  

More on Organic Foods

We have a great blog post all about the benefits and advantages of buying organic food that goes in-depth into the farming process.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if GMO's are safe to eat. While they don't have as many risks as some people used to think. there is still a lot unknown about the process and how it affects our bodies. If you buy organic, you can relieve yourself of any worry you might have about GMO's

At Jo Anne’s Place, we have tons of certified organic foods for you to choose from, so you can shop with confidence and feel good about what you’re bringing home to your family.