Eco Eating is the practice of consuming sustainably, thoughtfully, humanely produced food.
What is a GMO?*
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are made by forcing genes from one species, such as bacteria, viruses, animals, or humans, into the DNA of a food crop or animal in order to introduce a new trait.
Why Should I Avoid GMOs?
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine reported, “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GM food,” including infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastroin- testinal system. They urge physicians to prescribe healthier non-GMO foods to everyone.
Tips to Avoid GMOs
Tip #1: Buy Organic
Certified organic products cannot intentionally include any GMO ingredients. Buy products labeled “100% organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic ingredients.” You can be doubly sure if the product also has a Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.
Tip #2: Look for Non-GMO Project Seals
This guide features brands with products verified by the Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organization committed to providing consumers with clearly labeled and independently verified non-GMO choices, including testing of at-risk ingredients. The Non-GMO Project verifies per individual product, not for an entire brand. Some of the brands listed in this guide offer both GMO and Non-GMO items. Visit NonGMOProject.org for more information on the third-party product verification program.
Tip #3: Avoid At-Risk Ingredients
If it’s not labeled organic or verified non-GMO, avoid products made with ingredients that might be derived from GMOs. The eight GM food crops are corn, soybeans, canola, cot- tonseed, sugar beets, papaya from China, or Hawaii (most) and a small amount of zucchini and yellow squash. GM alfalfa is also fed to livestock.
Sugar: If a non-organic product made in North America 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 Verified, look for labels stating No rbGH, rbST, or artificial hormones.
Tip #4: Use the Non-GMO Shopping Guide
Visit NonGMOShoppingGuide.com to see a complete list of Non-GMO products available from each brand in this guide or use the ShopNoGMO App on your iPhone—available for free at the iTunes store.
*sourced from http://responsibletechnology.org