Key Facts
- →Over 90% of U.S. soy, corn, and canola crops are genetically modified
- →Most industrial seed oils are extracted using hexane — a neurotoxic petroleum solvent
- →IARC classified glyphosate (used on GMO crops) as 'probably carcinogenic' in 2015
The Hexane Extraction Problem
Most industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower, corn) are extracted using hexane — a neurotoxic petroleum-derived solvent. The solvent is used because it dramatically increases oil yield compared to mechanical pressing. While most hexane evaporates during processing, trace amounts may remain in the final product. Cold-pressed or expeller-pressed alternatives avoid this process entirely and are labeled as such.
The Glyphosate Problem
The majority of GMO crops are 'Roundup Ready' — engineered to survive repeated applications of glyphosate herbicide. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' in 2015. Residue testing by organizations like EWG has detected glyphosate in oat-based foods, cereals, and other processed products at levels the agencies consider concerning.
Omega-6 Imbalance
Seed oils like soybean, sunflower, and corn oil are extremely high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. While omega-6 is essential in the diet, the modern processed food diet creates a highly imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio — often 20:1 or higher, versus the historically optimal 4:1. Chronic high omega-6 consumption has been associated with systemic inflammation.
What to Look For
Ingredients like 'soy lecithin,' 'canola oil,' 'corn starch,' and 'high fructose corn syrup' are almost certainly derived from GMO crops unless specifically labeled Non-GMO or Organic. The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is the most credible third-party certification in the U.S. USDA Organic certification also prohibits the use of GMO ingredients.