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How to Avoid Genetically Modified Foods
Edited by Serj Sagan, Sondra C, Maluniu, Krystle and 57 others
Genetically modified(GM) foods - are they safe or harmful? While regulatory authorities have approved GM food that is on the market, some people are concerned that there is risk of harm. Most foods we eat may contain ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). If you live in Europe, avoiding GM foods is easier since laws require labeling. In the US and Canada, however, food manufacturers are not required to label if their food is genetically modified or not. Here are some guidelines for steering clear of GM foods in your diet, if that is your choice.
Steps
1 Become familiar with the most common applications of genetic modification. These are the products (and their derivatives) that are most likely to be genetically modified:
- Soybeans - Gene taken from bacteria (Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4) and inserted into soybeans to make them more resistant to herbicides.[1] See How to Live With a Soy Allergy for more information on avoiding soy products
- Corn - There are two main varieties of GE corn. One has a Gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis inserted to produce the Bt toxin, which poisons Lepidoteran (moths and butterflies) pests.[2] There are also several events which are resistant to various herbicide. Present in high fructose corn syrup and glucose/fructose which is prevalent in a wide variety of foods in America.
- Grapeseed/Canola - Gene added/transferred to make crop more resistant to herbicide.
- Sugar beets - Gene added/transferred to make crop more resistant to Monsanto's Roundup herbicide.
- Cotton - engineered to produce Bt toxin. The seeds are pressed into cottonseed oil, which is a common ingredient in vegetable oil and margarine.
- Dairy - Cows injected with GE hormone rBGH/rBST; possibly fed GM grains and hay.
- Sugar. In 2012 the FDA approved GMO Beet Sugars to be allowed to be sold on the market under the name.... "SUGAR" So now, when we go to buy "All Natural" Breyer's Ice Cream, we can't even know for sure that we are actually eating regular natural cane sugar. If you see "CANE SUGAR" there's a good chance it's not GMO. This is one of the biggest frustrations with labelling, as sugar is in so many things, and we might be avoiding food that POSSIBLY has GMO sugar, but really does not.
- Papayas.
- Zucchini.
- Corn sold directly to the consumer at Roadside stands / markets. Buy organic corn, popcorn, corn chips only.
- Baked goods: Often has one or more of the common GM ingredients in them. Why do we need corn or soy in our bread, snacks or desserts? It's hard to find mixes to use as well. Some brands avoid GMs, find one you like and try to stick with it. Organic is one option, learning how to cook brownies, etc, from scratch with your own organic oils is another.
3。 Trusted Organic Certification institutions include QAI, Oregon Tilth, and CCOF. Look for their mark of approval on the label of the product.USDA Organic standards pale in comparison , do not consider a product 100% organic if it is only USDA Organic Certified.
4。 Recognize fruit and vegetable label numbers.
- If it is a 4-digit number, the food is conventionally produced.
- If it is a 5-digit number beginning with an 8, it is GM. However, do not trust that GE foods will have a PLU identifying it as such, because PLU labeling is optional. [4]
- If it is a 5-digit number beginning with a 9, it is organic.[5]
- The same applies to meat from other herbivores such as sheep.
- There is also the slight possibility that the animals were fed GM alfalfa, although this is less likely if you buy meat locally.
- With non-ruminants like pigs and poultry that cannot be 100% grass-fed, it's better to look for meat that is 100% organic.
7。Shop locally. Although more than half of all GM foods are produced in the US,[7] most of it comes from large, industrial farms. By shopping at farmers' markets, signing up for a subscription from a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm, or patronizing a local co-op, you may be able to avoid GM products and possibly save money at the same time.
- More and more small farms are offering grains and meat directly to customers, in addition to the usual fare (vegetables, fruit, herbs).
- Shopping locally may also give you the opportunity to speak to the farmer and find out how he or she feels about GMOs and whether or not they use them in their own operation.
9。Grow your own food. This way you know exactly what was grown, and what went into growing it.
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