FOOD FOR THOUGHT - CRIME OF THE CROP

Will GMOs harm my kids? Your pediatrician's response might not be grounded in science.

- KIERA BUTLER

THE FEAR OF pernicious substances getting into children's bodies and causing lasting harm is understandably a nail-biter for parents. Maybe that's why the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued new guidelines in December to help doctors field parents' (no doubt constant) questions about GMOS-foods containing genetically modified ingredients.

"The potential health implications of genetic modification are an emerging science," the report warned, and pediatricians should encourage concerned parents to err on the side of caution and feed their kids "primarily whole, plant-based foods," especially those certified as organic, and minimize ultra-processed foods. In addition, "schools and hospitals dedicated to the care of children can consider avoiding serving GMO foods to minimize glyphosate exposure when alternatives are available and affordable." (Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup-the primary herbicide used on crops that can be genetically modified to withstand the chemical.)