Ah, the elusive codes at the grocery store. We know that organic is better to buy, but what happens when it says "conventionally grown" or "genetically modified" or even more confusing, "organic"? How do we know the difference? Here's the fool-proof way to de-code the codes:
For conventionally grown fruit (grown with chemicals) ie, stay away for the dirty dozen!, the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers.
Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8.
Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9.
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 specially important now that over 80% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified.
Many countries in the European Union have beenbanning GM products and produce (including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Luxembourg). Why would they want to ban them? Well, it's not natural and, it's not promoting local farmers. Big no-no in PeaceLoveProduce's book.
My tip? Shop local, buy organic, especially if it's a dirty dozen, and, to be even better, buy in season!
Source: http://www.kipnews.org/2011/07/14/how-to-i-d-genetically-modified-food-at-the-supermarket/
No comments:
Post a Comment