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Should sugar be labeled GMO?
The executive vice president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association says there is no reason to disclose if sugar comes from GMO sugarbeets.
Luther Markwart tells Brownfield when sugarbeets are processed all of the DNA is removed. “The sugar that we extract from those beets has no genetic material in it, so it’s no different than cane sugar or organic sugar—there’s no difference in it.”
Markwart says technology provides 25 different environmental benefits to improve air, water and soil conservation. He says all of the sugarbeets produced in the United States are genetically engineered.
AUDIO: Interview with Luther Markwart
There is one important difference between GMO Roundup Ready sugarbeets when compared to sugar from organic sources…the sugar from GMO sugarbeets has measurable glyposate residues likely exceeding the EPA limit for drinking water of 700 parts per billion. Current EPA glyphosate tolerances for sugarbeets are 10 parts per million for tops and roots and 25 parts per million for the dried mash, so it appears that processing actually concentrates the amount of glyphosate present.