What You Need to Know About GMOs
The science, the risks, and what you can do to protect your family. Knowledge is the first step toward creating change.
Learn MoreWhat Are GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals whose DNA has been altered in a laboratory using genetic engineering techniques. Unlike traditional cross-breeding, this involves inserting genes from other species — including bacteria, viruses, or other organisms — to create traits that would never occur naturally.
In the United States, over 90% of corn, soy, cotton, canola, and sugar beets are genetically modified. These crops and their derivatives (corn syrup, soybean oil, sugar, etc.) appear in an estimated 75-80% of processed foods on grocery store shelves.
The primary purpose of most GMO crops is to withstand direct application of herbicides — particularly glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup). This means GMO crops are sprayed with significantly more herbicides than their conventional counterparts.
The Glyphosate Problem
Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in history, with over 300 million pounds sprayed on American crops each year. It was patented as a mineral chelator (binding essential nutrients), an antibiotic (killing gut bacteria), and a descaling agent before being used as an herbicide.
Even more concerning, glyphosate is used as a drying agent (desiccant) sprayed directly on non-GMO crops like wheat, oats, barley, and beans just days before harvest. This means even "non-GMO" foods can contain high levels of glyphosate residue.
MAA Testing Has Found Glyphosate In:
Health Impacts
A growing body of independent research links glyphosate and GMO consumption to serious health concerns.
Gut Health
Glyphosate acts as a patented antibiotic, destroying beneficial gut bacteria essential for immune function, nutrient absorption, and mental health.
Hormonal Disruption
Multiple studies show glyphosate disrupts endocrine function, affecting thyroid hormones, estrogen, and testosterone at levels found in food.
Allergies & Autoimmune
The rise in food allergies, eczema, and autoimmune conditions correlates with increased glyphosate use on food crops since the mid-1990s.
Neurological Effects
Emerging research links glyphosate exposure to neurological conditions including autism spectrum symptoms, ADHD, and cognitive development delays in children.
Cancer Risk
The World Health Organization's IARC classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen" in 2015. Bayer has paid over $10 billion in cancer settlements.
Liver & Kidney Damage
Animal studies demonstrate that chronic low-dose glyphosate exposure causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and kidney damage at levels permitted in drinking water.
Watch & Learn
Presentations from doctors, scientists, and advocates exposing the truth about GMOs and pesticides. Search for these titles on YouTube.
Peril on Your Plate
Zen Honeycutt
The link between GMOs, pesticides, and chronic disease in humans.
GMOs and Health Risks in 6 Minutes
Zen Honeycutt
The most recent information on glyphosate (Roundup sprayed on GMOs) and its health effects.
Right to Health Series
Zen Honeycutt • Shaka Movement, Maui
Sponsored by the Shaka Movement in Maui, covering the right to health and GMO-free food.
A Conversation with a Pediatrician, Scientist, and Mom
Fran Murrell • MADGE Australia
Perspectives from medical, scientific, and parenting viewpoints on GMOs and children’s health.
Presentation in New Zealand
Dr. Michelle Perro
A pediatrician’s expert perspective on how GMOs and pesticides are affecting children’s health.
Presentation in New Zealand
Dr. Michael Antoniou
A molecular geneticist on the science behind genetic modification and its unintended consequences.
Effects of Glyphosate (Parts 1 & 2)
Anthony Samsel
In-depth look at how glyphosate affects human biochemistry — from gut bacteria to organ damage.
How Glyphosate Is Linked to Gut-Brain Harm
Dr. Buckley
The connection between glyphosate exposure and neurological damage via the gut-brain axis.
Glyphosate and Unsafe Meat and Potatoes
Anthony Samsel
How glyphosate residues in animal feed contaminate the meat and produce we eat every day.
Films & Documentaries
Share these documentaries with friends and family to spread the word about GMOs and our food system.
Genetic Roulette
The documented health risks of genetically engineered foods. A groundbreaking documentary exposing the industry’s cover-up.
responsibletechnology.orgGMO Food & Health Movie List
Curated IMDB list of the top GMO info and health-related movies, compiled by WA MAA Mom Laurie Olson.
Browse on IMDBGMO Trees Documentary
Dr. David Suzuki explores how genetically modified trees could destroy forest biodiversity and life on Earth.
Resources & Tools
Practical tools to make GMO-free shopping and cooking easier for your family.
Shopping & Meal Planning
GMO-Free Dining
Find restaurants and eateries serving non-GMO and organic food.
Advocacy & Education
Institute for Responsible Technology
The home of Genetic Roulette — education, shopping guides, and GMO resources.
AllergyKids Foundation
Support for families managing food allergies, founded by Robyn O’Brien.
Food Democracy Now!
Grassroots advocacy for sustainable food and farming policies.
Non-GMO Project
North America’s most trusted non-GMO verification program.
GMO Free USA
Over 1,800 studies and papers showing harm from GMOs and related pesticides.
Sustainable Pulse
The most groundbreaking global news on GMOs, pesticides, and sustainable agriculture.
Earth Open Source
330-page GMO Myths and Facts resource and independent scientific analysis.
GM Watch
Independent reporting and analysis on genetically modified organisms worldwide.
What You Can Do
Protecting your family starts with informed choices. Here are three simple steps you can take today.
Buy Organic
Start with the Dirty Dozen — the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables. Every organic purchase is a vote for clean food.
Read Labels
Look for USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Glyphosate Residue Free certifications. Avoid products with "natural flavors" from unknown sources.
Grow Your Own
Even a small container garden with herbs and leafy greens can reduce your family's exposure. Use organic soil and non-GMO seeds.
Explore Our Research
Data & Research
View our complete testing results for school lunches, cereals, baby food, and water samples across America.
Science Articles
Read peer-reviewed studies and independent research on GMOs, glyphosate, and their health effects.
Blog & Stories
Real stories from families who have improved their health by switching to organic and reducing chemical exposure.
Resources & Guides
Download shopping guides, educational materials, and toolkits for protecting your family.
Knowledge Is Power
Share this information with every mom you know. Together, we can create a healthier future for our children.