How to Know if Your Food is Conventional, Organic, or Genetically Modified
These days genetic modification of the food supply is rather prevalent. With genetic modification being linked to sterility and infant mortality, it is something that should be avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, food products containing genetically modified organisms are often not properly labeled, leading to unknowing consumption of genetically modified ingredients. Learn how to identify which products are genetically modified, and avoid this major health risk.
Reading the Labels:
- Conventional Fruit Labels: Begin with the number 4, and never begin with the number 9.
- Genetically Modified Fruit Labels: Begin with the number 8. Note that it begins with 8, not just contains the number 8. This is often a 5 digit number.
- Organic Fruit Labels: These fruit labels always contain 5 digits, and begin with the number 9. Always check and make sure, as some “organic” products have been known to be deceptively labeled.
Look For Products Labeled 100% Organic:
- United States and Canadian governments do not allow companies to label products 100% organic if they contain genetically modified foods. While it may be harder to find products with this label, this is the best way to go when it comes to avoiding genetically modified ingredients as well as additives.
Look For “Non-GM” or “GMO-Free” Labels:
- Companies know that consumers do not want to purchase items containing genetically modified ingredients. In response, they often flaunt “GMO-Free” labels. This is an obvious indicator that the product is free of genetically modified ingredients. Keep in mind however, that this does not mean the product is organic. Nor does it mean it is free of other harmful additives such as aspartame or MSG. This label may also be on the back of this product.
Always read labels closely, and choose 100% organic products when available. Don’t hesitate to call the company and ask whether or not they use genetically modified ingredients, or even demand they stop using them. Learn more about genetically modified ingredients and the implications of genetically engineering the food supply.
 | Natural Society staff contribution |
[…] Buy products free of additives by ensuring that they are 100% organic, and that are free of genetically modified ingredients, aspartame, MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, […]
They refer to stickers/tags on the fruits and veggies-
MYTH: http://gmoawareness.org/2012/09/19/myth-plu-code-…
Ok, so you buy things labled "organic" indicating they have not had pesticides and other harmful chemical used on them, but the produce must be watered. Where does the water come from? I have half and acre in Phoenix. I irrigate the yard. I would not care to eat food irrigated in my yard. What's in the irrigation water is disgusting, chemicals from those who spray up the line, dead animals floating, run off from businesses that use toxins and let them drain. The alternative is the hose water, which has fluride, lead, pharmaceuticals etc. When buying "organic" the water source ought to be labeld and where along the line the water is taken in. What is upstream from the grow area.
I have brought my food consumption down to a minimum. I will tell you this if after you eat something that might contain GMO’S you hit the toilet, I do anyway. A tomato no longer tastes like a tomato and the rule goes to other foods. If you have digestive problems to begin with they will reek havoc even more after consumption. There is an abundance of literature on the computer on this subject and wonderful tips you just need to get hunting. If it is man made do not eat it. Be safe.
I'll wait for the improved edition/
Hello, this is an urban legend (the number labeling system for GMO produce). I had been reading this "news" several years ago and checked it out, and found it to be untrue. Genetically modified produce is not labeled in any way at all. That is, in part, why the Just Label It campaign is drawing so much traction. People want to know what they are consuming.
Please someone explain what the #'s this article to talking about. When you say, "Begin with the #_ and never the # _…" I have no idea what that means! Please help me to understand.
Thank you.
The stickers that are placed on produce is what they are referring to.
I would appreciate your giving examples of labeled foods so we can better understand which numbers to look for. This is too vague.
This is great to know…thx to whomever…I live at the tip of the Alaskan Panhandle in Canada/Prince Rupert BC.
Because I’m not privy to a greenhouse ,I worry about buying secretly irradiated vegetables from the States…what’s the best way to explore for the truth about irradiation???; since “corptocracy” does it’s best to obfuscate the truth & keep this knowledge, below the thresh-holds of our distracted collective awareness.
checking accessibility
Reading the labels on the food.. figuring out the numbers.. is this only for the United States?
I ask because, a lot of Co-Ops have a lot of fruits being flown in from various other coutries. How do we know that it's organic?
Although there are PLU codes that start with an 8 and are 5 digits for GM produce, these codes are not used because they are not required to by law. No supplier or retailer in their right mind would voluntarily use codes showing the consumer that the item is genetically modified. GM is not exactly a selling point!
There are three vital, but basic, steps to take if you want your family to be healthy. The first is to get back to basics and grow your own vegetables and fruit. Number two is prepare all your food at home, and this leads naturally to the third, give supermarkets the flick they so deserve. It's challenging to begin with, but eventually you will wonder why you ever thought processed food was ok to eat!
Between me and my husband we've been eating organic food for quite some time now and we feel much more healthy and energetic! We have also trimmed our tummies down quite a bit because of it.
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