By Stacie L. Grossfeld, MD  | GMOs or genetically modified organisms are living organisms that have been genetically modified or artificially manipulated inside a laboratory. This scientific type of genetic engineering has created diverse plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes. Because of this unusual crossbreeding, GMO products have been produced to withstand direct herbicide application, while providing insecticide protection.

Since the first genetically modified crop in 1996, these crops have been known to accomplish several tasks. For example, certain GMO crops have been formulated to successfully withstand extreme weather conditions and even extend the product's shelf life. Some of these plants have been useful in producing biofuel which is used to help vehicles get around.

GMOs in the Food You Eat

GMOs have become extremely popular in the foods that many of us eat every day. In fact, estimates suggest that upwards of 80 percent of all U.S. processed foods contain GMOs. The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has declared GMO foods to be safe for consumption, despite many arguments concerning the health risks associated with GMO foods. Sixty other developed countries consider GMO foods to be unsafe and unhealthy. Australia, Japan and the European Union have placed important restrictions and bans on the manufacture and sale of GMO foods.

The FDA has not regulated the labeling for GMO foods, however there are thousands of products labeled "Non-GMO" to assist consumers. This is part of the Non-GMO project developed to help people avoid products that have been genetically engineered or modified.

There has been a long debate over GMO foods and certain health risks associated. Regardless of the health concerns, consuming these foods is a personal choice. Some people have begun to actively avoid eating foods produced in this manner, taking on what could be described as a non-GMO lifestyle.

One of the most straightforward ways to cut down on the amount of genetically modified foods that you are consuming is to reduce the amount of processed foods you eat. This is often easier if you do more of your own food preparation since it can be harder to know about the origins of the ingredients in the foods you eat when you are dining out in restaurants.

While it may seem challenging to avoid GMO foods, especially if you are on a special diet or are trying to lose weight, there are solutions available. For example, certain weight loss programs feature supplements created without GMO products.

Here is a complete list of Non-GMO foods and products organized by the "Non-GMO Project," for those looking to eat GMO free.

Dr. Stacie L. Grossfeld is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon practicing in Louisville, Kentucky. She graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and completed a fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Fowler-Kennedy Sports Medicine Center. Dr. Grossfeld currently works as a louisville orthopedic surgeon in private practice at Orthopaedic Specialists. Dr. Grossfeld also serves as a clinical instructor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Louisville. Her special interests are in knee and shoulder reconstruction and sports medicine. To learn more about her medical practice, you can call 502-212-2663 and you can also find Orthopaedic Specialists on Facebook.
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