The claim: GMO food changes people’s genes
A March 29 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a screenshot of a news release about testimony heard by the Missouri House of Representatives.
“GMO food like the type Bill Gates is pushing to manufacture in factories WILL alter your genetics,” the caption reads.
The post was liked more than 1,000 times in a week.
Our rating: False
There are no recorded cases of human genes being changed by eating genetically modified food. Experts say it is unlikely to happen and the chance of it occurring is no greater than with non-GMO food.
Published studies and experts who spoke with USA TODAY all say there are no reports of human genes being changed by eating genetically modified food, and there is no reason to think they could be. The acquisition of genetic material not inherited from a parent, known as horizontal gene transfer, is rare and appears no more likely from GMO food than from non-GMO food.
