1. Use of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)-Containing Food Products in Children.
- Author
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Abrams, Steven A., Albin, Jaclyn Lewis, and Landrigan, Philip J.
- Subjects
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EDUCATION of parents , *GLYPHOSATE , *FOOD habits , *CARCINOGENS , *PROFESSIONS , *FOOD labeling , *AGRICULTURE , *DIET , *TRANSGENIC organisms , *GENETICALLY modified foods , *HERBICIDES , *CHILDREN - Abstract
Families increasingly raise questions about the use of genetically modified organism (GMO)-containing food products. These products are widely found in the US food supply but originate from a narrow list of crops. Although GMO technology could be used to increase the micronutrient content of foods, this does not occur in the United States; instead, GMO technology has been used to make crops resistant to chemical herbicides. As a result, herbicide use has increased exponentially. The World Health Organization's International Agency on Research for Cancer has determined that glyphosate, an herbicide widely used in producing GMO food crops, is a probable human carcinogen. Measurable quantities of glyphosate are detected in some GMO foods. Families who wish to minimize GMO food products can do so by focusing on a dietary pattern of primarily whole, plant-based foods while minimizing ultra-processed foods. Pediatricians play a vital role in their efforts to minimize fear-based messaging and support families through shared decision-making. Pediatrician awareness of GMO labeling can guide individualized conversations, particularly that non-GMO labeling does not indicate organic status and that increased cost of some non-GMO foods, especially if also organic, may limit this choice for many families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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