Proponents of GMOs claim they’re perfectly safe and that have the potential to alleviate world hunger, but many consumers aren’t so sure. Legitimate concerns have been raised about the safety and environmental impact of genetically modified organisms, but those who produce them stand staunchly against any attempts to label them, leaving concerned consumers without means of differentiating products that contain genetically modified material from those that don’t.
So how can the average person distinguish GMO-containing foods and supplements from those that are GMO-free?
GMOs Are Not Labeled
Despite an overwhelming majority of consumers who support GMO labeling initiatives, foods and supplements containing genetically modified organisms are sold without any warning labels. Why have laws not been enacted that require labeling of such goods?
How to Find Non-GMO Foods
With the lack of labeling, it might seem that inadvertently ingesting GMOs is inevitable. After all, GMO corn, soybeans, and canola are everywhere, and the list of products that include these ingredients is nearly endless.
Fortunately for concerned shoppers, there are ways to avoid purchasing goods that contain genetically modified ingredients.
Go Organic
Only purchasing certified organic produce is an excellent start. The majority of fresh veggies in the produce section are non-GMO anyway, with the exception of corn, edamame, and squash, but buying organic guarantees your vegetables to be GMO-free.
Check the Ingredients
Another important step in eliminating GMOs from your diet is to check the ingredients list carefully. Even foods that you might not think would contain GMOs sometimes do, because ingredients such as corn syrup, oil, and thickeners are often made from these products.
Look for the Non-GMO Seal
The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is a sure sign that a product’s producers have purposely excluded genetically modified organisms from their products. The Non-GMO Project is America’s only independent, third-party labeling initiative, so their seal of approval carries substantial weight with those who are interested in purchasing non-GMO products. Look for the seal, and you’ll be able to rest assured that your food or supplement is free of genetically modified ingredients.
Choose Your Oils Carefully
Over 90% of the canola oil sold in the U.S. contains genetically modified ingredients. Non-GMO canola can be found, but it may be easier to avoid canola altogether. Alternative cooking oils, such as olive, avocado and coconut have a much lower risk of containing genetically modified materials (virtually zero), so they’re an easy choice for those seeking to eliminate GMOs from their dinner tables.
Product research is another way to determine whether or not the ingredients contain GMOs. Many details about certain product can be found online. At Nutrex Hawaii, we gladly boast that our supplements: Hawaiian Spirulina and BioAstin Astaxanthin are made with ingredients that have not been genetically modified and also cultured without the use of pesticides and herbicides.
Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=97567
http://www.nongmoproject.org/2012/04/16/10-ways-to-spring-clean-gmos-out-of-your-home/
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/how-shop-if-youre-avoiding-gmos
