GMO Food Primer

1. What do you mean by GMO foods?

·GMO foods contain a genetically modified organism (GMO). The original plant or animal product’s genetic material is modified to create a new organism. Organisms used to modify foods are viruses, bacteria, yeast, other genetic plants or animal materials. For example GMO soybeans have been genetically modified by inserting a plasmid (a small DNA molecule) into the original plant. The transfer is done by using a cauliflower mosaic virus. The resulting soybean is immune to the herbicide Round Up. Another example is injecting the hormone rbGH into cows so that produce more milk.

2. How do GMO enter into our food supply?

They can be injected into animals as they are into cows. They can be created in a lab like they are for soy and corn. Or they can be passed on by eating animals or animal products from animals who have ingested the organism.  The animal products that are the most vulnerable are meats, milk, cheese and eggs.

3. What foods are likely to be GMO?

·Here is a list of generally modified food and the percentage of them that are:

· Sugar beets (95%)

· Soy (94%)

· Cotton (90%)

· Corn (88%)

· Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%)

· Zucchini and yellow squash (over 24,000 acres)

4. How do I avoid GMO foods?

· Buy organic – the rules about organic foods specify that no GMOs are used. They are a little more expensive but if you stick to whole instead of process food the difference becomes negligible. Community Supported Agriculture programs, Farmer’s markets and Coop’s are a wonderful source and often cheaper than health food stores and the usually grocery store.

· Read Labels – produce labels are 4 or5 digits long. Here is how it works:

· Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables (non-organic and non-gmo) have a 4-digit code.

· Organically grown produce has a 5-digit code that begins with a 9. Remember, if it is organic it is non-GMO.

· Genetically modified produce has a 5-digits code that begins with an 8.

· Look for a Third party non-GMO verified seal — you will see the words the “Non-GMO Project Verified.” Often manufacturers and manufacturers’ reps claims are sometimes questionable because they do not really understand all of the test procedures required. The third party verification ensures that both the final product and the ingredients are Non-GMO.

· Use Available Tools like the Non-GMO Project shopping guide available in print or free on iTunes. Check the Institute for Responsible Technologywebsite and visit the Non-GMO project website for more information

5. What can I do? – First of all educate yourself of the risks and benefits of GMO foods. Decide where you stand and remember that you as an individual can make a difference. Insist on buying Non-GMO foods. Ask you stores to clearly label and promote Non-GMO foods. Join your local non-GMO organization. Check out the Non-GMO Project website for ways to get involved. Support legislation that require GMO labeling: sign or even start a petition, donate to Non-GMO organizations.

About Genene Cote

Genene Coté -- Nutrition Advocate, Counselor and Coach who is also a Whole Food Plant Based Eater (vegetarian/vegan), cook and gardener.
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