Frequently Asked Questions
Do the terms GM, GMO, transgenic and genetically engineered (GE) mean the same thing?
Why are genetically engineered foods not labeled?
Does GE change plant productivity?
Can GE crops co-exist with other types of farming?
Does GE change the flavor of the food or how long it lasts?
Do the terms GM, GMO, transgenic and genetically engineered (GE) mean the same thing?
The common use of these terms has the same meaning. The letters GM and GMO stand for Genetically Modified Organism. The term transgenic describes that genes have been transferred from one organism to another. The term genetically engineered is more accurate than GM or GMO because traditional breeding also modifies a plant or animal's DNA through indirect methods.
Are GMO foods safe to eat?
GMO foods have been used since 1996 There is no evidence that they are unsafe.
Many of the proteins and DNA found in genetically engineered foods have been eaten safely in their natural form. For instance, the virus gene that was added to papaya is eaten whenever someone eats an infected non-modified papaya and the Bt protein has been used as a natural pesticide on organic foods for decades. For more information see the Food Safety page.
Why aren't genetically engineered foods labeled?
The FDA determines labeling based on the foods nutritional value. If the modifications increase the risk of allergens or change the nutritional value of the foods, they must be labeled. The law also requires that this label be true and not misleading. This issue is quite controversial because some individuals would like to avoid GE foods based on ethical or religious considerations. Others feel that there may be unknown long-term risks. The FDA has taken the stand that the consumer may get this information through voluntary labeling. For instance, consumers may choose to purchase organic foods (Organic foods cannot be genetically engineered). For more information see the Labeling page.
Why do we need GE?
Breeders use many tools to develop new plant varieties. Traditional breeding can be very effective if genes for a desired trait are present in closely related plants. If those genes are not present, no amount of crossbreeding is going to result in the desired characteristic. Identifying genes other living organisms increases the range of the genes that are available. For example, in the case of the papaya ringspot virus, no known papaya varieties were resistant to the disease. The only way to develop resistant plants was to use genetic engineering. The original GE variety is now hybridized with a popular variety to get the Rainbow papayas that consumers find desirable.
Genetic Engineering has the potential to increase the speed at which we can adapt to global warming and other challenges. It is one tool out of many for crop breeding and most useful when the genes for the desired characteristic are not present.
Does GE change plant productivity?
Yes and no. Genetic engineering for virus resistance, herbicide resistance or insect resistance does not change the amount of food that the plant can produce. That is determined by the variety or hybrid being used. The difference in yield comes from fewer losses due to pests. For instance, corn with the Bt gene is only cost effective if there is a high level of insect infestation during the growing cycle. Additional yield can be realized because less mold grows during storage if the ears are undamaged.
While increased productivity is the number one reason farmers use GE seeds, they also choose the crops for other benefits such as easier time management and decreased pesticide use (USDA, 2006).
Can GE crops co-exist with other types of farming?
Co-existence is possible if farmers are willing to work together. The characteristics of individual crops need to be taken into consideration. Please see the Co-existence page.
Does GE change the flavor of the food or how long it lasts?
Genetic engineering results in specific changes related to the gene that was transferred or modified. Genes for flavor enhancement or extended shelf life affect these characteristics, but genes for pest resistance do not.
Sometimes there is confusion because a GE papaya tastes different from a non-GE papaya. The taste difference is due to the two papayas being different varieties. Non-GE papayas of different varieties also taste different.