A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering.  DNA molecules from different sources are combined into a molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism.  This may give the new organism desired traits, such as better disease resistance or withstanding cold temperatures better.

Genes are spliced into the host like tumors invade cells. Scientists can alter an organism by manipulating DNA with cancer causing pesticides in the cells of the plant to produce plants that can withstand greater amounts of pesticide without wilting or dying.  Scientists have also crossed tomato plants with fish genes so that  tomato plants will become more resistant to cold weather.

These genetically modified organisms contain pollen  with the new genetically altered traits. The pollen can be eaten by birds or insects and  travel through the wind to pollinate other organisms that have not been genetically altered.  The natural species can not survive with the GMO one.   Thus, all of the pollinated plants will produce genetically altered seeds/plants/organisms.

Food labels in the US do not have to inform the consumer that the product has been genetically engineered.  But if an item is marked “certified organic” that means the produce is free from genetically modified organisms.  Five of the top hosts of GMO are corn and corn products, soy/soy products, rice, wheat, canola and cottonseed oil.

 How safe are the new GMO’s that we eat?  How long were the GMO's studied?  There are some groups that think that a complete ban on all GM food would be neccessary until studied further.  Still, others want a least a mandatory labeling of GM food until the long term health effects of eating these foods are known.  These products still have some environmental safety issues:  possible  destruction of entire food chains if the GMO is unleashed to pollinate non GMO produce.  Some countries around the world are banning production of any GMO’s.   Some counties in California  are putting bans on producing genetically modified food at this time until some of these issues are resolved.

What options do we have? Of course, first and foremost if you have the land, or enough area for a container garden, grow your own.  (At least until the genetically engineered foods have been studied longer.)   Growing your own food gives you the knowledge of  where your food came from and how it was grown.  You can feel comfortable feeding your family and know that you are not eating  genetically modified foods.

Secondly, you the consumer can shop at grocery retailers that sell certified organic foods. This segment of foods is growing quickly as more and more consumers turn to a healthier lifestyle. At the time of this writing, these foods are approximately 5-8% higher in price, but as with anything, as demand grows the price will drop.