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Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are on the rise and the FDA refuses to make it mandatory to label food items that are made with GMOs. There is much concern over the safety of genetically modified foods. The acronym, GMO, can apply to plants and animals when the organism has been altered genetically using techniques like cloning and protein engineering. In other words, the food has been created in a lab, rather than in nature.
There is much controversy surrounding GMOs — the most common concern is the mere fact that we don’t know what the long-term effects are going to be from consuming these foods. Almost every day, you will see a news story or article regarding the subject. One example is my recent post on GE salmon. Soy, corn and tomatoes are the most common genetically modified foods. If you haven’t watched The Future of Food yet, you must watch it!
However, this post was not supposed to be a long one on the controversy surrounding GE foods. The purpose of this post is to share with you an interesting little blurb I found in my most recent issue of Delicious Living magazine (I get mine free at Vitamin Cottage). Here’s how to know if you are getting genetically modified produce:
- Look at the PLU code on the item’s sticker.
- The PLU codes on genetically modified fruits and vegetables will have a series of five numbers, all starting with the number 8 – for example, a tomato might have a sticker on it with 85129.
- Organic fruit and vegetables will have a PLU with a series of five numbers, starting with the number 9. For example, and organic kiwi might have the number 94030.
- Non-GMO, conventionally grown produce will have the PLU code with only four numbers. There is no specific starting number in this series.
I thought this was most interesting and will definitely be helpful when going to the store! Are there any tricks that you have learned on how to avoid GE foods? Please share your thoughts, comments, and ideas! I love hearing from my readers!
NOTE: Photo courtesy of FSGM on Flicker Creative Commons
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