October is Non-GMO Month
Here are some tips for seeking out Non-GMO products at Valley Natural Foods.
What are GMOs?
According to the Non-GMO Project, “GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.”
Easy ways to avoid GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)
Look for the USDA certified organic label, because the organic standards do not allow GMOs in certified organic foods. Look for products labeled “100% organic,” “organic” or “made with organic ingredients.” You may also look for Non-GMO claims that are independently verified, for example by the Non-GMO Project.
Learn which products contain GMOs
According to the Non-GMO Project, the following are considered to be “high risk” crops:
•Alfalfa
•Canola
•Corn
•Cotton
•Hawaiian papaya
•Soy
•Sugar Beets
•Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash
What is Valley Natural Foods doing about GMOs?
Valley Natural Foods continues to stay abreast of USDA and Non-GMO Project information to help us provide the healthiest choices in the store. Our buyers do research to find products that do not contain GMOs. We label all of the products that are Non-GMO Project verified. We encourage customers to make their own purchase decisions and support their right to accurate information to make those decisions.
Helpful Resources
Right to Know MN
http://righttoknowmn.org
Non-GMO Project
http://www.nongmoproject.org
Pam L
Hey, Melissa! I am checking out the co-op website and preparing some comments. I have a nephew who is very informed about agriculture/food prodjuction and he gave me an article on GMOs which I have since lost. I will look for it again.
I think it’s important for the co-op to provide GMO-free goods and to strongly support labeling, but I’m not sure that GMOs are completely bad. I will look into it further and see what I can learn.
Meanwhile, when I read that GMOs are “unstable” (above) I wonder whether that is based on research or if it is third-hand or speculation. It can be such a fine line…but education is part of our mission, as well as providing the healthy choices. Thanks for something to think about and the info on common GMO foods and the link.
HEre is a question: When I go into the co-op can I expect that nothing for sale there has GMOs? Or if something is conventional (not labeled organic) and does not have the non-GMO label, then is there a chance that it could contain GM0 ingredients?
Thanks again!
-Pam