According to The Non-GMO Project, “Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.
Most GMOs have been engineered to withstand the direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. However, new technologies are now being used to artificially develop other traits in plants, such as a resistance to browning in apples, and to create new organisms using synthetic biology. Despite biotech industry promises, there is no evidence that any of the GMOs currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition or any other consumer benefit.”
That’s a lot to take in, we know. Here are a few shopping tips to consider to decrease the amount of GMOs you put in your body:
- Buy organic if you’re picking up things that are high-risk GMO items, such as soy, corn, zucchini—just to name a few)
- Try to buy food labeled 100% organic and know the “rules” of labeling
- Keep your eyes peeled for labels from the Organic Certification Institutions: QAI, Oregon Tilth, and CCOF.
- Purchase beef that is 100% grass-fed
- Seek out products that are specifically labeled with the Non-GMO Verified seal
- Shop locally at farmers markets
- Eat as many whole, unpackaged, unprocessed foods as possible
To find specific products that are Non-GMO verified to replace ones that are often on your grocery list, check out this product page exclusively for shoppers to find what they’re looking for.