How to I.D. Genetically Modified Foods at the Supermarket
Not many consumers realize that genetically modified foods do not have to be disclosed on labels. The FDA has decided that you don’t care if the tomato you’re eating has been cross bred with frog genes to render the tomato more resistant to cold weather. Here is how to determine if the fruits and vegetables you’re buying contain (GM or GMO) genetically modified organisms.
- Conventionally grown produce, (grown with toxic fertilizers and other chemicals) has a PLU Code on the sticker consisting of four numbers.
- Organically grown produce has a five numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9.
- Genetically engineered (GE or GMO) produce has a five numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8
For example:
A conventionally grown banana would be: 4011
An organic banana would be: 94011
A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011
These tips are important now that over 80% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified. Many countries in the European Union have banned genetically engineered or genetically modified produce (including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Luxembourg).
11 Responses to “How to I.D. Genetically Modified Foods at the Supermarket”
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Halelljauh! I needed this-you’re my savior.
Thank you so much, I will definitely be on the look out for the POISONED food
and I am sending this e-mail to EVERYBODY I know.
PLU Codes – What Do They Really Mean?
The 4-digit PLU codes are designed to tell the checkout lady which is a small Fuji(4129) and which is a Honeycrisp (3283), so she/he will know what to charge for the produce. If there’s a 5-digit code starting with 9, then it’s organic.
After doing more research, we find that these numbers have nothing to do with you. We spoke with Kathy Means, Association Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs for the Produce Marketing Association. this is an optional convention for retailers and their supplier and is not designed as a communication tool for customers. If you want to know which items are organic, look for the word Organic.
There is a 5 digit code starting with an 8 that shows what is GMO, but most retailers, we find, typically do not use it. And why would they? Most Americans say they would avoid GMOs if they were labeled. In fact, more and more doctors and medical organizations are prescribing non-GMO diets to all patients.
There are only 4 GMO veggies or fruits at this point: papaya, but only from Hawaii; some zucchini and yellow squash, and some corn on the cob. For these, unless it says organic or boasts a non-GMO sign in the store, eating them is a gamble. It could be GMO.
PLU Codes that start with 3 are used to enable supermarkets to differentiate produce products such as: stalk/branch/bunch/leaves attached, large/small, color, ripe/ready to eat, or origination point – Chinese/Thai.
TIPS FOR AVOIDING GENETICALLY MODIFIED or “ENHANCED” FOODS
Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM) – artificially inserting genes into food crops or animals.
GMOs can be engineered with genes from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals, or even humans.
Most Americans say they would not eat GMOs if labeled.
Unlike other industrialized countries, the U.S. does not require labeling.
TIP #1: BUY ORGANIC – Certified organic products must not contain any GMO
ingredients.
TIP #2: NON-GMO VERIFIED SEALS – The Non- GMO Project is a non-profit organization. Visit NonGMOProject.org for more information.
TIP #3: DON’T BUY PRODUCTS made with ingredients that might be derived from GMOs.
The eight GM food crops are Corn, Soybeans, Canola, Cottonseed, Sugar Beets, Hawaiian Papaya (most) and a small amount of Zucchini and Yellow Squash.
Sugar: If a non-organic product made in North American lists “sugar”as an ingredient (and NOT pure cane sugar), then it is almost certainly a combination of sugar from both sugar cane and GM sugar beets.
Dairy: Products may be from cows injected with GM bovine growth hormone. If it’s not labeled Organic or Non-GMO Project, look for labels stating No rbGH, rbST, or artificial hormones.
I am so glad you have informed me and thousands of your readers about GE and GMO. I had no idea of how to recognize it. I always read labels, because I am diabetic. THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping me!
Great info!!
I recently bought a peach with a label 3117 USA. what do you make of it?
PLU Codes that start with 3 are used to enable supermarkets to differentiate produce products such as: stalk/branch/bunch/leaves attached, large/small, color, ripe/ready to eat, or origination point – Chinese/Thai.
Thank you! That is helpful to know!
Very interesting! Can’t wait to get back to the market now. Thanks.
What about those PLU numbers start with 3 ? I thought those are the GMO vegetables and fruits.
First of all, thank you for this information, however how can we be sure GMO produce is going to be labeled with a GMO PLU if the FDA does not require labeling as such? Also, does this apply to produce that has been enhanced?
With all this said, we need to support the California legislation initiative to require GMO labeling…