Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.  What does that mean? That means they can alter a plants resistance to pathogens and herbicides and for better nutrient profiles. GM foods that include modified DNA and/or protein include fruits, vegetables, corn and soy. Corn and soy are also consumed after modifications that remove most/all DNA/protein. Biotechnology is a branch of food science that seeks to improve foods and food production.

Of course, this has been a hot topic for a long time.

Dubbed the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act by supporters, but the “Deny Americans the Right to Know” or DARK Act, by opponents, the measure was approved 275-150 with 45 Democrats voting for the bill House members had a heated debate ahead of the vote with supporters claiming GMOs are proven safe. They said mandatory labeling would burden the food industry with unwieldy and costly requirements. Opponents countered that 64 other countries require labeling of GMO foods, the science on safety is mixed, and consumers have a right to know if their food is made with GMOs.

What has been happening to that had the lights turn on?

GMO foods is a worry that the herbicide glyphosate, which is widely used on genetically modified crops. Residues of the pesticide have been detected in foods.  The World Health Organization research unit says glyphosate is “probably” a cancer-causer.

What does this mean to you? 

Grocery Manufacturers Association, which represents more than 300 food companies lead  the bill.three different government organizations are responsible for regulating GMOs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) checks the chemical composition of the organism for any potential allergens. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supervises field testing and monitors the distribution of GM seeds. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring pesticide usage, including plants modified to contain proteins toxic to insects. Like the USDA, the EPA also oversees field testing and the distribution of crops that have had contact with pesticides to ensure the GMOs are safe for the environment. In 2015, the Obama administration announced that it would update the way the government regulated genetically modified crops.

Long story short we have more work to do on this one.