There seems to be a lot of controversy regarding PLU labels and their usefulness in distinguishing between genetically modified, organic, and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.
In the previous post, it was stated that people are learning how to avoid genetically modified fruits and vegetables by reading PLU labels.
“Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8.” “A conventionally grown product (grown with chemical assistance) will have a 4 digit PLU code.”
It appears that the main problem with using this method to learn more about our food is that “the use of the number ‘8’ at the beginning of the PLU is optional” - how unfortunate. However, it does mean that if we see a 5 digit PLU label starting with an 8 then that produce is genetically modified.
So even though using PLUs may help us avoid certain types of food, it is not a guarantee that what we are eating will not be genetically modified.
The best way to avoid GM foods is to look for the “organic” label, and to consume locally. Additional information at Post Carbon Institute, People and Planet, BALLE, and my personal favorite, the 100 Mile diet.
As reports from scientists continue to warn us about the dangers of our tainted food supply, it is important for our health to know where our food comes from. This is particularly true for children.
To help in deciding which foods to avoid and which ones to consume, consider familiarizing yourself with the following two food guides:
- The Produce Ranking Guide “was developed by analysts at the not-for-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) based on the results of nearly 43,000 tests for pesticides on produce collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 2000 and 2005”.
- The 'True Food Shopping Guide' from Greenpeace provides an extensive list categorizing certain food groups based on their genetically engineered ingredients.
The best and simplest way to guarantee the quality of our food, and to avoid GM foods, is by obtaining our food from local farmers markets.
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