GMOs and Pet Food
Are genetically modified ingredients safe for your pet?
GMOs and Pet Food
Are genetically modified ingredients safe for your pet?
What are GMOs and what purpose do they serve?
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are organisms whose genetic material has been modified in a way that doesn’t occur naturally. This is done by extracting genes from one species and inserting it into another species.
One of the main objectives of GMOs is crop protection. By genetically modifying staple crops like corn, soy, and wheat, these crops become more resistant to diseases caused by insects or viruses. Additionally, crops are genetically modified to resist herbicides that are used to kill weeds and other invasive plants around them.
In theory, GMOs sound like a great idea. Modifying crops to resist disease and tolerate herbicides is good for farmers because they have more product to sell and good for consumers because we have more product to buy. But is there a downside to GMOs?
What are GMOs and what purpose do they serve?
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are organisms whose genetic material has been modified in a way that doesn’t occur naturally. This is done by extracting genes from one species and inserting it into another species.
One of the main objectives of GMOs is crop protection. By genetically modifying staple crops like corn, soy, and wheat, these crops become more resistant to diseases caused by insects or viruses. Additionally, crops are genetically modified to resist herbicides that are used to kill weeds and other invasive plants around them.
In theory, GMOs sound like a great idea. Modifying crops to resist disease and tolerate herbicides is good for farmers because they have more product to sell and good for consumers because we have more product to buy. But is there a downside to GMOs?
History of GMOs and Scientific Studies
Since their implementation in the 1990s, GMOs have been a controversial topic amongst the medical community. Many studies have been conducted over the past several decades on GMOs, but no scientific consensus has been reached on their safety.
While studies led and funded by government organizations like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and biotech companies which create these GMOs have shown no evidence indicating they are harmful, some studies done by independent labs and scientists have proven otherwise.
In 2022, a study was published by a group of independent researchers in which GMO studies spanning from 1983 to 2020 were reviewed and assessed. Their conclusion was as follows:
“Serious adverse events of GMO consumption include mortality, tumor or cancer, significant low fertility, decreased learning and reaction abilities, and some organ abnormalities. Further clinical trials and long-term cohort studies in human populations, especially on GMO food-related adverse events and the corresponding GMO events, are still warranted. It suggests the necessity of labelling GMO food so that consumers can make their own choice.” (1)
History of GMOs and Scientific Studies
Since their implementation in the 1990s, GMOs have been a controversial topic amongst the medical community. Many studies have been conducted over the past several decades on GMOs, but no scientific consensus has been reached on their safety.
While studies led and funded by government organizations like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and biotech companies which create these GMOs have shown no evidence indicating they are harmful, some studies done by independent labs and scientists have proven otherwise.
In 2022, a study was published by a group of independent researchers in which GMO studies spanning from 1983 to 2020 were reviewed and assessed. Their conclusion was as follows:
“Serious adverse events of GMO consumption include mortality, tumor or cancer, significant low fertility, decreased learning and reaction abilities, and some organ abnormalities. Further clinical trials and long-term cohort studies in human populations, especially on GMO food-related adverse events and the corresponding GMO events, are still warranted. It suggests the necessity of labelling GMO food so that consumers can make their own choice.” (1)
GMOs and Glyphosate
One of the key issues surrounding GMOs is the use of the herbicide Roundup which utilizes glyphosate as its primary active ingredient. In the US, over 90% of corn and soy crops are “Roundup Ready”, meaning these crops are genetically modified to tolerate the glyphosate which is used on them.
A study on glyphosate published in 2013 found, “Our systematic search of the literature has led us to the realization that many of the health problems that appear to be associated with a Western diet could be explained by biological disruptions that have already been attributed to glyphosate. These include digestive issues, obesity, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease, liver diseases, and cancer, among others.” (2)
Not only have studies found that glyphosate can cause adverse health events, but the legal system has also corroborated these findings. As of May 2022, Monsanto (the now defunct company which owned Roundup) paid out approximately $11 billion and settled over 100,000 lawsuits.
As of 2023, 64 countries require manufacturers to label foods containing GMOs and 26 countries have banned GMOs altogether. Unfortunately, the US is not included in either of these groups.
GMOs and Glyphosate
One of the key issues surrounding GMOs is the use of the herbicide Roundup which utilizes glyphosate as its primary active ingredient. In the US, over 90% of corn and soy crops are “Roundup Ready”, meaning these crops are genetically modified to tolerate the glyphosate which is used on them.
A study on glyphosate published in 2013 found, “Our systematic search of the literature has led us to the realization that many of the health problems that appear to be associated with a Western diet could be explained by biological disruptions that have already been attributed to glyphosate. These include digestive issues, obesity, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease, liver diseases, and cancer, among others.” (2)
Not only have studies found that glyphosate can cause adverse health events, but the legal system has also corroborated these findings. As of May 2022, Monsanto (the now defunct company which owned Roundup) paid out approximately $11 billion and settled over 100,000 lawsuits.
As of 2023, 64 countries require manufacturers to label foods containing GMOs and 26 countries have banned GMOs altogether. Unfortunately, the US is not included in either of these groups.
Although a consensus hasn't been reached in the scientific community and although no long-term studies have been done, we can see that there is some scientific evidence showing that GMOs can be harmful to health.
As pet parents, we’re responsible for our pets’ health. That’s why at Halo, we’re proud to say that all of our foods, toppers, and treats are made with responsibly sourced, non-GMO ingredients.