f eed yo u r min d
A Question of GMOs
A Discussion
Guide for Health
Educators
People want to make informed food
choices, and they look to you for
answers—including answers about
GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
This discussion guide includes concise,
science-based answers to some of the
common questions people might ask
you about GMOs.
“GMO” is a common term used to describe a plant, animal, or
microorganism that has had its genetic material (DNA) changed using
technology that involves specific modification of DNA, such as
transferring specific DNA from one organism to another. Scientists often
refer to this process as genetic engineering1 (GE).
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Are GMOs Safe to Eat? process. People with food allergies should continue
to check food ingredient labels for the presence of
allergens of concern to them, whether ingredients are
Yes. In the U.S., GMO foods are held to the same from GMO or non-GMO crops.
safety standards as non-GMO foods. GMO foods are
carefully studied for safety before they are sold to
the public. Since GMO foods were introduced in the
1990s, research2 has shown that they are just as safe What About Celiac Disease?
to eat as non-GMO foods.
There is no evidence that GMOs on the market today
cause celiac disease. Celiac disease3 is a serious
Who Regulates GMOs? condition that affects the digestive system. It is
caused by an immune reaction in response to gluten,
which is in wheat, rye, and barley.
Multiple federal agencies within the U.S. government
work to regulate GMOs, including the U.S. Food and If wheat, rye, or barley were ever to be used as a
Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. Department of source of protein in a GMO food, FDA would very
Health and Human Services, the U.S. Environmental carefully consider whether that protein was one that
Protection Agency (EPA), and the Animal and Plant would cause a reaction in people with celiac disease.
Health Inspection Service in the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA). Each agency plays a part in
ensuring that GMOs are safe for human, plant, and
animal health. These agencies also monitor the Is There a Link Between
impact of GMOs on the environment.
GMOs and Cancer?
No. GMO crops are not changed in ways that would
What About Allergic increase the risk of cancer for humans or animals.
Reactions? The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine found4 that cancer rates in the United
States, where GMOs are commonly eaten, are similar
Research shows that GMOs currently on the market to cancer rates in Europe and the United Kingdom,
are no more likely to cause allergic reactions than where people eat less GMO foods.
non-GMO foods.
Scientists who develop GMOs test to make sure new
allergens are not introduced during the development
More questions?
These are just a few of the questions you might be asked.
Visit www.fda.gov/feedyourmind to find out more about GMOs.
1
https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/agricultural-biotechnology
2
https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/genetically-engineered-crops-past-experience-and-future-prospects
3
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease
4
https://www.nap.edu/read/23395/chapter/8
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