Genetically Modified Produce (GMO) Much of the produce you buy has a little sticker on it. On each sticker there is a 4 or 5 digit code called a price look-up code (PLU code). It tells you if the produce is organic, conventionally grown or genetically modified (GMO). Read more about PLU codes here. If the code is 5 digits long and starts with an 8 it means it’s 100% positively been genetically modified. This produce is best avoided as the long term health effects of GMOs are unknown. It’s shocking that this produce is being sold at all with so little research. If the code is 4 digits long and starts with a 3 or a 4 it’s conventionally grown and may contain pesticides. Confusingly there’s also a chance that it’s been genetically modified. Use caution when buying this produce and check the EWG guide to pesticides in produce to decide if to replace with organic if cost is an issue. If cost isn’t an issue buy everything organic! If the code is 5 digits long and starts with a 9 it’s organic and pesticide free. It’s not been genetically modified and is likely to be more nutrient dense than it’s conventionally grown counterpart.
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 11:16:37 +0000