The respected journal Pediatrics, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, published a Clinical Report (12/3/23) strongly implying that parents should not feed children foods containing ingredients from genetically engineered (GE; familiar “GMO”) crops. They suggest that such products are “contaminated” with dangerous, meaningful levels of the herbicide glyphosate, making strong inference that this is a legitimate risk that will lead to ailments including cancers.
These conclusions are not backed by evidence. After 30 years of intense scrutiny there is no legitimate evidence of undue risk from ingredients originating from GE crops. After nearly a half century of use, thousands of independent studies, and regulatory evaluation by dozens of countries (including a re-approval by the EU in December 2023), there is no direct evidence that glyphosate is carcinogenic at dietary or occupational exposure levels.
As Fellows of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry we expect professional medical organizations accurately communicate the real risks and benefits of technologies. The review in Pediatrics does not align with the scientific consensus and raises undue fear of food. Moreover, when the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that they will put agenda over evidence, it breaks trust in areas like vaccines, where their stance has followed current consensus.
Future food production in the industrialized and developing world will require an all-tools-on-the-table approach.
