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Picking the Right Produce ( Organic, Conventionally-grown, GMO)

Curious about your produce? Well, here’s some great news…. To find out if it is conventionally-grown, GMO, or organic produce, you don’t have to look any further than THE STICKER.  That’s right, just looking at the Price-Look Up (PLU) code on the sticker will help you to determine how the piece of produce was grown.

Who knew you could learn so much from a sticker?!

From Nutrition Styles

What is organic production?

Great question!  The short answer is :

“Organically grown” food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (e.g., biological pesticides) may also be used in producing organically grown food.

Many people  are purchasing organically grown and processed foods as a way to reduce their exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Please click the link to learn more about the specific USDA Definition and Regulations.

What are GMO ( Genetically Modified Organisms) a.k.a Genetically Modified Foods

Even better question!

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species.

Such methods are used to create GM plants – which are then used to grow GM food crops.

The World Health Organization (WHO) put together 20 questions and answers  in response to questions and concerns about the nature and safety of genetically modified food. Please click here to see their responses.

Organizations, such Say No To GMOs!, support mandatory labeling, long-term independent safety testing, more stringent regulation and full corporate liability for damages resulting from the irresponsible introduction of GMOs to the food supply and environment.

Hopefully this information will help you to pick the right produce!

 

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