Fact Check: Non GMO foods don't contain large amounts of glyphosate

Fact-Check Article: "Non-GMO Foods Don't Contain Large Amounts of Glyphosate"

What We Know

The claim that non-GMO foods do not contain large amounts of glyphosate is nuanced. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, particularly in the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are engineered to be herbicide-tolerant. According to a study published in 2019, genetically modified corn that is herbicide-tolerant (HT) can contain higher concentrations of glyphosate residues due to the herbicide being sprayed during the growing season. However, the same study indicates that non-GMO corn can have low levels of glyphosate, especially if it is not treated with herbicides.

Furthermore, a report from the Detox Project found that 18 out of 26 non-GMO labeled products tested contained glyphosate, suggesting that glyphosate residues are present in non-GMO foods as well. This is corroborated by findings from Diet vs Disease, which states that glyphosate can be found in non-GMO crops such as wheat, barley, and beans, often due to agricultural practices that involve spraying glyphosate even on non-GMO crops.

Analysis

The evidence indicates that while non-GMO foods may generally contain lower levels of glyphosate compared to their GMO counterparts, they are not entirely free from glyphosate residues. The 2019 study demonstrates that glyphosate residues can be detected in non-GMO corn, albeit at lower concentrations than in HT corn. This suggests that agricultural practices, including the use of glyphosate as a pre-harvest desiccant, can lead to glyphosate presence in non-GMO foods.

The Detox Project's findings highlight a significant concern: even products labeled as non-GMO can contain glyphosate, which contradicts the assumption that non-GMO foods are inherently free from this herbicide. This is further supported by Diet vs Disease, which notes that glyphosate is often used on non-GMO crops, particularly in conventional farming practices.

However, it is important to consider the reliability of the sources. The study published in MDPI (source-1) is peer-reviewed, adding credibility to its findings. In contrast, the Detox Project (source-2) and similar sources may have a specific agenda related to promoting organic or non-GMO foods, which could introduce bias in their reporting. Therefore, while their findings are concerning, they should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusion

The claim that non-GMO foods do not contain large amounts of glyphosate is Partially True. While it is accurate that non-GMO foods generally have lower glyphosate levels compared to GMO foods, they are not completely free from glyphosate residues. Studies indicate that glyphosate can still be present in non-GMO products due to agricultural practices. Thus, consumers seeking to avoid glyphosate should consider organic options, which are less likely to contain this herbicide.

Sources

1. Roundup®, but Not Roundup-Ready® Corn, Increases Mortality of Drosophila melanogaster
2. Glyphosate in food and water
3. Use of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)-Containing Foods
4. Foods Most Likely to Contain Glyphosate
5. Eating Out: A Date With Glyphosate
6. Glyphosate In Food - Is it Bad for You?
7. Warning! GMO-Free Foods Contain Glyphosate - Jane's Healthy Kitchen
8. These four foods are high in pesticides