Most food plants have been modified over the eons through selective breeding, but genetically modified organisms, often referred to as GMO foods are those plant varieties which have been created using genetic engineering; this may include insertion of DNA from other plant and even animal species. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not determined that GMO foods are damaging to health, many consumers prefer to seek out foods which are GMO free.
USDA Certified Organic Foods
The National Organic Program of the United States Department of Agriculture requires that USDA certified organic products and ingredients must be produced without using biotechnology methods. The federal National Organic Program regulations, administered by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, apply to all but the smallest organic food producers, and set the standards and requirements food growers and producers must meet to be able to label their products "organic." Any food product bearing the label "100% organic" or "USDA Certified Organic" should, by law, also be free of GMOs. However, prepared food products which are labeled indicating that they are made from organic produce or contain organic ingredients are not required to be GMO free; some of their non-organic components may well contain bioengineered plant material.
Foods From Ireland
The government of the Republic of Ireland in October 2009 declared the country to be a GMO-free zone, prohibiting the cultivation of all genetically modified plants. The Irish government is offering all food producers the opportunity to voluntarily label their products as GMO free. However, even without the label, all food grown or raised and produced in Ireland will not contain genetically modified organisms. This includes Irish livestock and poultry, all raised on GMO-free feed and grain. Many foods of Irish origin are available within the United States, including butter, cheese, baked goods, and beer. Some other countries, such as Germany and Algeria, have passed restrictions and stringent labeling requirements on GMO-containing foods, but Ireland has led the way in declaring the entire nation a GMO-free zone.
GMO-Free Brands
Genetically modified organisms have become pervasive in the prepared food industry, so much so that consumers and GMO-free advocates have been able to compile relatively short lists of the prepared food brands and products which do not contain GMOs. The GMO-free brands list compiled in May, 2009 by The Nourished Kitchen, a healthy foods and cooking website managed by Colorado farmers' market manager Jenny McGruther, lists less than 50 known GMO-free food brands. Among these are companies which are familiar to all natural food store shoppers, including Cascadian Farms, Bob's Red Mill, Arrowhead Mills, Eden Foods, and Spectrum Oils. The GMO-free food list also includes specialty producers like San J, a manufacturer of soy sauce and tamari, and Barbara's Bakery, a natural-ingredient cookie company. Lists of GMO-free brands and products are subject to frequent change, so check each individual brand or product's website or label before purchasing.
Member Comments