Biting Into GMOs
By Amy Perry in News on Nov 18, 2009 5:20PM
Whether you believe genetically modified foods are helpful or harmful, there is no real way to know if you are eating them because there is no U.S. regulation regarding disclosure on products manufactured with genetically modified organisms (GMO) ingredients. The industry group, the Non-GMO Project, hopes to change that by launching a campaign to voluntarily test products and label those that are largely free of genetically modified organisms (GMO). These products will be labeled with the project’s seal, a butterfly perched on two blades of grass in the form of a check mark.
The project states it will not guarantee that foods are entirely free of genetically modified ingredients, but that manufacturers have followed procedures, including testing, to ensure that crucial ingredients contain no more than 0.9 percent of biotech material. For years, Europe has required labeling for GMOs using the same criteria.
Participants in the Non-GMO Project include major players in the organic and natural foods business, like Whole Foods Market. The first Whole Foods products verified by the Non-GMO Project are expected to hit stores before the end of the year. To search for participating products and retailers go to the Non-GMO Project site.