GMO
Explained
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are common in the modern food supply. This tracker lists the currently approved GMO crops and what they are engineered to do.
Corn (Field & Sweet)
Uses: Animal feed, ethanol, high-fructose corn syrup, corn oil, starch, cereals.
"Most field corn in the US is GMO. Sweet corn (eaten on the cob) can also be GMO."
Soybeans
Uses: Animal feed, soybean oil (vegetable oil), soy lecithin (emulsifier), processed foods.
"Over 90% of soy grown in the US is genetically modified."
Cotton
Uses: Cottonseed oil (fried foods, dressings), animal feed, clothing.
"Cottonseed oil is a common industrial frying oil found in many processed snacks."
Canola
Uses: Canola oil (cooking oil), margarine, processed foods.
"Originally 'Rapeseed', it was renamed Canola (Canadian Oil Low Acid). Most is GMO."
Sugar Beets
Uses: Refined sugar (white sugar), molasses, betaine.
"About 55% of sugar produced in the US comes from sugar beets, almost all of which are GMO."
Papaya
Uses: Fresh fruit, dried fruit.
"Specifically Hawaiian papaya (Rainbow & SunUp varieties) saved from the Ringspot virus."
Alfalfa
Uses: Animal feed (dairy cows, beef cattle).
"Used primarily as high-protein forage for livestock, indirectly entering the food supply."
Potatoes
Uses: Chips, fries, processed potato products.
"Engineered to reduce black spots from bruising and lower acrylamide (a potential carcinogen) when fried."
Apples
Uses: Fresh fruit slices, pre-packaged snacks.
"Arctic® Apples are engineered to not turn brown when sliced or bitten."
Summer Squash
Uses: Fresh vegetable.
"Some varieties of Zucchini and Yellow Crookneck squash are GMO to resist viruses."
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What does "GMO" mean?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. It refers to a plant, animal, or microorganism whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.
Crucially, this list covers crops where the crop itself is GMO. Many other foods (like wheat, oats, or tomatoes) are not currently available as GMO varieties in the US, despite common misconceptions.