GEO - is it safe? What benefits does it offer?
Mia Hoffmann
2026-03-21
5 min. read
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A GEO (genetically engineered organism) is an organism (not applicable to the human body) in which genetic material has been altered in a manner other than natural (the Act of 22 June 2001 on GMOs). A GMO food, as defined in the EC Regulation (1829/2003), is a food that consists of, contains or is produced from GMOs. In Poland, EU rules that govern the market and labelling of GM foods apply. Does the legislation effectively protect our health? Let us examine what scientific studies say about GEOs.
Benefits of genetic modifications
Genetic modifications that involve the insertion of suitable genes into the original genetic material aim to confer desirable traits to plants, such as resistance to viruses or other harmful agents. A case in point is rice that has been genetically modified to have higher iron and vitamin levels, with the aim of helping to combat malnutrition in Asian countries. Another fascinating example is the Hawaiian papaya crop, of which up to 80% is genetically modified. This intervention allows them to exhibit resistance to the virus that damages fruit grown using traditional methods. Genetic modifications can also enable plants to grow faster, be less susceptible to diseases, and be cultivated on poorer soils in adverse conditions. This allows for a reduction in the use of herbicides and insecticides in plant cultivation, resulting in a lower amount of chemical agents in food.
Authorization for the market introduction of GMOs
According to Davison J. and Ammann K. W. in their article New GMO regulations for old. EU law is one of the most stringent laws regulating the marketing of GMOs worldwide. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003, food and feed containing or produced from genetically modified organisms must undergo a safety assessment in accordance with European Union procedures before being placed on the market. In line with this Regulation, no food containing GMO may be placed on the market if it may cause harmful effects in humans or animals. Additionally, GMO may not be placed on the market without obtaining prior authorization. The applicant, when applying for authorization, must submit a copy of the test results confirming that the product has no negative effects on humans and animals, as well as an analysis confirming that the properties of the food do not differ from the properties of its traditional counterpart.
How does the European Food Safety Authority evaluate the safety of food products?
On the website of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), one can read that the safety evaluation of food products is based on scientific documentation provided by authorization applicants. During the safety assessment, new interactions resulting from protein modification, among other factors, are taken into account. It is also assessed whether the modified product differs from its traditional counterpart in terms of nutritional and visual values (e.g., length, color, etc.). Additionally, its potential toxicity, allergenicity, and environmental impact are evaluated. Thanks to these measures, as consumers, we can be certain that the safety of genetically modified food products is thoroughly analyzed.
Are these the crops most commonly subjected to genetic manipulation?
Maize, soybeans, rapeseed, cotton, potatoes, rice, and sugar beets are the most frequently genetically manipulated crops. These crops are cultivated by the United States, China, India, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada, as countries with the largest GMO crop areas. In the European Union, only genetically engineered maize MON 810 is allowed to be grown, which is cultivated in Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. However, Europe imports a substantial proportion of modified food, particularly in the form of feed from Brazil. Summarizing the past 21 years of research on genetically modified maize, Pellegrino E. and colleagues found that the benefits of its cultivation outweigh the drawbacks.
Identification of GMOs
Each product that contains or consists of GMOs or contains ingredients produced from GMOs must include such information on its label. The information may be displayed in the list of ingredients or below the list on the label. However, if the product is not prepackaged, the manufacturer is obliged to place the information on or directly next to the exhibition label. Note - these requirements do not apply to foodstuffs whose components contain GMOs in an amount not exceeding 0.9% or if the presence of GMOs is accidental or unavoidable from a technical standpoint. We also have the right to know if food deviates from its traditional counterpart. The manufacturer is also obliged to inform the consumer about this on the label. However, the manufacturer is not obliged to inform the consumer that dairy products or meat come from animals fed with GMO feed.
The register of products subjected to genetic modification
To become acquainted with the varieties of products launched into the market and the types of interventions made to their genetic material, one should consult with.. Following the selection of the suitable category, the ID number, the manufacturer, the type of modified genes, and the application area are accessible. Every individual has the right to seek access to the documentation supplied by the manufacturers and third parties to the EFSA.
Are genetically modified food products safe?
There is no answer to this question. The law takes care of the safety of food products being marketed and it is restrictive. Based on this, it can be assumed that GMOs are not a threat to us. However, there are no long-term studies evaluating this aspect. There is also no evidence of the harmfulness of GMOs. Professor Dr. Hab. Paweł Golik, director of the Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Warsaw, said in an interview with Katarzyna Gandor: "It is not that GMOs are 100% safe and harmless, because nothing is. There is no such thing as absolute safety in any area of life. But also many years of research have not shown any specific problems exclusively in genetically modified varieties that do not occur in others. This applies to both health issues or effects on the environment, as well as social-economic issues". There is no reason to have unfounded fears of GMOs.