Use of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)-Containing Food Products in Children
Steven A. Abrams, Jaclyn Albin, Philip J. Landrigan, Mark R. Corkins, Cynthia L. Blanco, George J. Fuchs, Praveen S. Godoy, Tamara S. Hannon, C. Wesley Lindsey, Ellen S. Rome, Andrew A. Bremer, Andrea Lots, Coria Perrine, Ana Sant’Anna, Cheryl Funanich, Debra L. Burrowes, Aparna Bole, Sophie J. Balk, Lori G. Byron, Gredia Maria Huerta-Montañez, Philip J. Landrigan, Steven M. Marcus, Abby L. Nerlinger, Lisa H. Patel, Rebecca Philipsborn, Alan D. Woolf, Lauren Zajac, Kimberly A. Gray, Jeanne Briskin, Nathaniel G. DeNicola, Matt Karwowski, Mary H. Ward, Paul Spire
Abstract
Families increasingly raise questions about the use of genetically modified organism (GMO)-containing food products. These products are widely found in the US food supply but originate from a narrow list of crops. Although GMO technology could be used to increase the micronutrient content of foods, this does not occur in the United States; instead, GMO technology has been used to make crops resistant to chemical herbicides. As a result, herbicide use has increased exponentially. The World Health Organization's International Agency on Research for Cancer has determined that glyphosate, an herbicide widely used in producing GMO food crops, is a probable human carcinogen. Measurable quantities of glyphosate are detected in some GMO foods. Families who wish to minimize GMO food products can do so by focusing on a dietary pattern of primarily whole, plant-based foods while minimizing ultra-processed foods. Pediatricians play a vital role in their efforts to minimize fear-based messaging and support families through shared decision-making. Pediatrician awareness of GMO labeling can guide individualized conversations, particularly that non-GMO labeling does not indicate organic status and that increased cost of some non-GMO foods, especially if also organic, may limit this choice for many families.