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GMO Soy Bean Facts

According to GMO Compass, in 2007, more than half of the world's soybean crop was genetically modified, making it the most genetically modified crop in the world. Understanding these crops, their costs and their possible negative effects can help the consumer make informed food choices.

  1. History

    • The United States planted the world's first GMO soybeans in 1996, and now, nine other countries utilize this crop. In 2009, 86 percent of the soybeans consumed in the U.S. are genetically modified. In addition, the U.S. consumes a third of the world's soybeans.

    Function

    • Predominantly used to feed livestock, GMO soybeans are engineered to be herbicide resistant. GMO Compass claims that without GMO soybeans, it would be hard to maintain livestock production. Also, soy lecithin--a product of GMO soybeans--is used as an emulsifier in many processed foods. In addition, Integrated Crop Management says the majority of farmers plant GMO soybeans to increase overall yield and manage pest control.

    Benefits

    • Because these soybeans can be used to cheaply feed animals and provide food additives, many farmers find them an economical choice. The Food and Drug Administration treats GMO soybean crops as it does traditional soybean crops, so farmers don't need to worry about another set of regulations to follow.

    Considerations

    • Though inexpensive to maintain, GMO soybeans cost more to research and develop. Based on overall costs and labor, Integrated Crop Management says that the overall cost difference is minimal and that there is no real advantage or disadvantage to using GMO soybeans.

    Warning

    • Though science can create a product, it doesn't necessarily mean that these products are safe to eat. Ronnie Cummins of In Motion Magazine Online says that the Food and Drug Administration doesn't factor in the socioeconomic and health impacts of these genetically modified crops. Because the FDA doesn't require additional testing of these products to determine if its ingredients are allergenic, those with allergies cannot be guaranteed of the purity of the product or other potential dangers. These new products don't provide a way to predict a possible allergic response on a large scale. Also, genetically modified foods damage food quality and the overall nutrition of the product.

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