The term “GMO” has been in the news a lot these days. But what are they, and why are people upset about them? A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal. Such genes may come from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. Since this involves the transfer of genes, GMOs are also known as “transgenic” organisms.

Although there has been a lot of buzz in recent years, GMOs are nothing new. The technology was developed in the 1970s, and by the 1990s, the tomato was the first product of this technology.

This technology quickly gained momentum and has evolved rapidly. Currently, commercialized GM crops in the U.S. include: soy (91 percent), cotton (71 percent), canola (88 percent), corn (85 percent), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50 percent), zucchini and yellow squash (small amount) and sugar beets (90 percent).

Some people don’t like the idea of eating genetically modified foods. And while it may seem easy to avoid them, the truth is, they have crept into our food system. Take a look in your cabinet and examine the labels. You will probably be alarmed by how much genetically modified food you actually eat. How can you tell? Products derived from soy, corn, canola and cotton, including oils from all four, (soy protein, soy lecithin, cornstarch, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup among others) are all sources of GMO.

But this isn’t all gloom and doom. The good news is you can take your health into your own hands. When you go to the grocery store, look at labels to see what is in the food you are purchasing. Take control of your family’s diet!