How to Identify GMOs at the Supermarket
Many consumers don’t realize that the FDA does not require genetically modified food to be labeled. That’s because the FDA, in all its wisdom, has decided that you don’t care if the tomato you are eating has been cross bred with frog genes to render the tomato more resistant to cold weather.
Some consumers may not be concerned with eating “Franken Food”, but for those who are, here is how to determine if the fruits and vegetables you’re buying are (GM) genetically modified.
For conventionally grown fruit (grown with chemical inputs), the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8. Example: A conventionally grown banana would be 4011. An organically grown banana would be 94011. A genetically engineered banana would be 84011.
(Reprinted from The Dirt Doctor™ newsletter by Howard Garrett)
Thanks for the great info Monica. Scary that we don’t always know what is in our food. It is up to us to be diligent and aware of our food sources. As well, try to keep it local.
Yes, it really is scary. I sometimes wonder just what it is that I’m eating. One more reason to buy produce from the local CSA. Or, better yet, grow it yourself! But if you can’t do either, then knowing how to interpret labels is probably a good idea.
That’s helpful, quick and easy! For anyone who wants a shopping guide, here’s the link for non-GMO foods. http://nongmoshoppingguide.com/
Most, if not all of them, will have the Non-GMO Project label on them, meaning that a third party has tested the manufactured food for the presence of GMOs.
Natalie M. Rotunda,
National Organic Food Examiner
Thanks for the additional info Natalie!
Thanks for putting that information out. However, I must sadly disagree. The PLU coding you refer to was indeed a system that was developed some years ago for this purpose. However it has NOT been adopted – neither by law nor even by convention. As such, very few products will have this coding in its label. It was a good idea, but the Powers-that-be would much prefer we have no easy way to discern one from the other.
Thanks for the update Scott.