A new clinical report published in Pediatrics by the American Academy of Pediatrics has raised fresh concerns about the potential health risks children face from consuming foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs), particularly due to increased exposure to herbicides such as glyphosate.
Titled “Use of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)-Containing Food Products in Children,” the study highlights how the widespread use of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the United States food supply may heighten children’s dietary exposure to pesticide residues.
The lead authors — Dr. Steven A. Abrams, Dr. Jaclyn Lewis Albin, and Philip J. Landrigan — collaborated with the Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Environmental Health and Climate Change Executive Committee to examine both the potential benefits and risks associated with GMO-containing foods.
Children Face Greater Vulnerability
According to the report, children are uniquely vulnerable to pesticide exposure compared to adults. Their smaller body size, developing organs, higher intake of food and air relative to body weight, and frequent hand-to-mouth behaviors increase their susceptibility.
Exposure during critical “windows of vulnerability,” including pregnancy and early childhood, may elevate risks of adverse health outcomes ranging from developmental disorders to certain cancers.
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The report identifies glyphosate — the most widely used herbicide on genetically engineered crops — as a central concern. Glyphosate has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a specialized cancer research arm of the World Health Organization.
Researchers note that measurable levels of glyphosate residues have been detected in commonly consumed foods and even in drinking water. These residues are largely linked to herbicide-tolerant crops such as corn and soybeans, which dominate U.S. agricultural production.
Herbicide-Tolerant Crops and Rising Chemical Use
While genetic engineering technology could theoretically be used to improve nutritional content, the authors state that in the United States it has primarily been deployed to make crops resistant to herbicides. As a result, herbicide use has increased significantly over the past three decades.
More than 90 percent of soybean and corn crops grown in the United States now contain herbicide- or insect-resistance genes. Other crops, including canola, alfalfa, cotton and sugar beets, have also been genetically engineered.
Glyphosate-resistant crops were first introduced in the 1990s, and today glyphosate-resistant weeds have spread across millions of acres globally, prompting farmers to apply multiple herbicides — a cycle often referred to as the “pesticide treadmill.”
The study warns that the use of multiple herbicides can lead to cumulative chemical residues in harvested crops and processed food products, potentially increasing overall human exposure and long-term health risks.
Infant Formula and Processed Foods
The report also draws attention to infant formula, noting that many products contain corn syrup, soy or other derivatives that may be sourced from GMO crops. Since GMO ingredients are widely used in ultraprocessed foods — including products made with corn starch, soybean oil and high-fructose corn syrup — children may face consistent low-level exposure.
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Residues have also been detected in animal feed derived from herbicide-tolerant crops, raising concerns about potential contamination in meat and dairy products.
Labeling Confusion and Consumer Awareness
The study further highlights confusion surrounding food labeling. Under the 2016 National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law, the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires foods containing GMOs to be labeled as “bioengineered” or “derived from bioengineering,” often accompanied by a symbol depicting a sun over a plant.
However, up to five percent of bioengineered ingredients that are not intentionally introduced may be present without disclosure. In addition, meat and dairy products from animals fed bioengineered feed do not require labeling, adding to consumer uncertainty.
The authors suggest that pediatricians can play a key role in helping families navigate these complexities by providing evidence-based nutritional guidance and facilitating informed decision-making.
Organic Alternatives and Reduced Exposure
The report notes that foods labeled USDA Certified Organic are produced under standards that prohibit the use of GMOs. Separate research cited in related discussions indicates that switching to a fully organic diet can significantly reduce urinary pesticide levels within weeks.
While debates over GMO safety continue, the authors conclude that the primary concern for children’s health is not necessarily the genetic modification itself, but the heavy reliance on herbicides used in GMO crop production and the resulting chemical residues in food.
They urge greater public awareness, clearer labeling standards and continued research into the long-term health implications of pesticide exposure in children.