Viral Claim That GMO Foods Contain Dangerous Toxins is False
Recently, various claims have emerged regarding the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods, particularly focusing on supposed severe health risks. These claims have circulated widely, raising public concern.
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We received a request via Our LINE Fact-check Channel about a message circulating on LINE. The message claimed that genetically modified food is detrimental to health and should be avoided at all costs. We discovered this same claim spreading on Facebook as well.
Fact Check
Dujduen Sasanavin, Secretary-General of the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, clarified this issue to the Sure and Share Center of Thai News Agency. She emphasized that the numbers in barcodes or PLU (Price Lookup) codes serve for inventory management and price setting—not for identifying GMO products.
She elaborated that concerns about GMO products primarily relate to environmental issues rather than consumption safety. Genetically modified vegetables or fruits may grow more rapidly than their natural counterparts, potentially impacting the environment.
Furthermore, Dr. Jessada Denduangboripant, a science communicator and lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, has addressed claims about GMO food's health risks. He states, "Food and food products derived from GMOs—organisms genetically modified using modern biotechnology like DNA editing—pose no health risks. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they're 'equivalent' to their original organisms, with no new toxins created before market release. The food we consume is thoroughly digested. Any genes inserted into GMOs break down to the DNA level—nucleotides—for our bodies to absorb and use. These don't persist as intact genes that could cause abnormalities in our bodies or appear in our offspring." (Source)
What are GMOs? Are they Safe to Eat?
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. This process involves the insertion, deletion, or modification of genes to achieve desired traits that would not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods. To create a GMO, scientists first identify and isolate the gene of interest, which is then inserted into the genome of the target organism using various techniques such as recombinant DNA technology. This allows for precise changes at the molecular level, enabling the development of crops with improved resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions.
Misconceptions about GMOs persist due to several factors. A primary reason is the lack of understanding about the science behind genetic modification, which breeds fear and skepticism. Media coverage tends to spotlight potential risks without giving equal attention to the extensive research supporting GMO safety. Additionally, some individuals hold ethical or philosophical objections to altering organisms' genetic makeup, coloring their perception of GMOs. These elements, coupled with humanity's innate caution towards new technologies, fuel the ongoing misconceptions surrounding GMOs.
The safety of GMO foods has been extensively studied and reviewed by numerous scientific organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that GM foods currently available on the international market have passed safety assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Agriculture (USDA) collaborate to ensure that GMOs meet stringent safety standards. A comprehensive review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which analyzed over 1,000 studies, concluded that GMO crops do not pose a health risk to humans. Additionally, the Royal Society affirms that GM foods are as safe to eat as their non-GM counterparts. Overall, the consensus among food safety experts is that GMOs are safe for human consumption.
(Source: Britannica, Royal Society, World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, HowStuffWorks, Harvard)
Conclusion
The widely circulated claim that GMO foods contain dangerous toxins is false. Global health organizations and experts have confirmed that GMO foods pose no health risks. Additionally, barcode or PLU codes don't identify GMO products—they're simply used for inventory management and pricing.