Trusted Organic Certification institutions include the United States Department of Agriculture[2] X Trustworthy Source US Department of Agriculture U. S. agency responsible for promoting good agricultural practices and protecting consumers Go to source (USDA), Quality Assurance International[3] X Research source (QAI), Oregon Tilth[4] X Research source , and California Certified Organic Farmers[5] X Research source (CCOF). Look for their mark of approval on the label of the product. Also, just because something says “organic,” it does not mean that it doesn’t contain GMOs. In fact, it can still contain up to 30% GMOs, so be sure the label says 100% organic. Eggs labeled “free-range,” “natural,” or “cage-free” are not necessarily GMO free; look for eggs that are 100% organic.
If it is a 4-digit number, the food is conventionally produced. This food may or may not be genetically modified. If it is a 5-digit number beginning with an 8, it is GM. However, do not trust that GE foods will have a PLU identifying it as such, because PLU labeling is optional. If it is a 5-digit number beginning with a 9, it is organic and is not genetically modified[7] X Research source
Some meats like pork and chicken cannot be 100% grassfed. In those instances, look for meat that is labeled 100% certified organic. [9] X Research source You should also buy wild caught fish instead of farm raised fish. Farm raised fish are fed with genetically modified grains.
Some meats like pork and chicken cannot be 100% grassfed. In those instances, look for meat that is labeled 100% certified organic. [9] X Research source You should also buy wild caught fish instead of farm raised fish. Farm raised fish are fed with genetically modified grains.
Shopping locally may also give you the opportunity to speak to the farmer and find out how he or she feels about GMOs and whether or not they use them in their own operation. Buying local food does not guarantee that you will be avoiding GMOs. Many local farmers use genetically modified seeds. [12] X Research source
Many websites sell non-GMO seeds. You can visit Seed Savers[14] X Research source or Seeds Now[15] X Research source to find non-GMO seeds.
Soy is not limited to actual soybeans. See How to Live With a Soy Allergy for more information on avoiding soy products. Make sure that your soy milk, edamame, and tofu have a 100% certified organic label. Corn includes corn flour, meal, oil, starch, gluten, and syrup. [18] X Research source Canola oil is also known as Rapeseed oil. This ingredient can be found in a lot of processed foods. If you usually use Canola oil for cooking, try using olive oil instead. Sugar beets are found in any sugar that is not 100% cane sugar. Make sure you read the label. Cottonseed oil is a common ingredient in vegetable oil. shortening, and margarine. [19] X Research source Many dairy products contain GMOs. Some farmers inject their cows with a genetically modified hormones rBGH/rBST and/or are fed genetically modified grains. You should look for dairy products that say rBGH or rBST free. [20] X Research source Hawaiian papayas are genetically modified. You should buy papayas grown in other regions like the Caribbean. [21] X Research source We usually do not directly ingest alfalfa. Alfalfa is grown to feed dairy cows and other animals. Both organic alfalfa and genetically engineered alfalfa are grown. You can avoid genetically engineered alfalfa by eating grass fed meat and dairy products that are 100% certified organic. [22] X Research source
About 75% of processed foods at the grocery store contain these ingredients. [24] X Research source This includes foods like soda, cookies, bread, and chips. You can avoid these derivatives by cooking your food from scratch and carefully buying your food.
You should also ask what type of oil is used for cooking. If they say vegetable oil, margarine, cottonseed oil, or corn oil, ask if they can cook your food with olive oil instead.
