Saturday, March 07, 2009

genetically modified organisms


Genetically modified organisms (GMO's) are the result of a lab process in which genes are artificially inserted into the DNA of food crops or animals. GMO's can be engineered with the genes of insects, animals, humans, bacteria or viruses. Yummy...I think not, but whether we realize it or not, these products have quietly infiltrated our grocery store shelves ! they do not have to be labeled as such either ! Some companies voluntarily add "NON-GMO" to their packaging but otherwise your best bet is to buy organic and avoid the "big 4" at risk ingredients... CORN, SOY, CANOLA and COTTONSEED.
The ingredients most likely to contain GMO's are the following or any processed foods containing the following unless they are organic ( which cannot legally contain GMO's )
CORN:
cornflour, cornmeal, cornstarch, corn syrup, fructose, dextrose, modified food starch ( from corn)
high fructose corn syrup
SOY:
soy flour, soy lecithin, soy protein, soy isolate, isoflavone, soy oil, vegetable oil ( from soy) vegetable protein
Canola oil, Cottonseed oil
FRUIT:
papaya from Hawaii ( unless organic)
MEAT:
all animals that are not certified organic are more than likely raised on feed containing GMO's
look for wild fish and certified organic, grass finished meats.
ALTERNATIVE AND VEGAN MEAT PRODUCTS:
these brands may contain GMO's : gardenburger, Boca, morning star farms
DAIRY:
these brands may contain GMO's : Dannon, Land O' Lakes, Parmalat, Yoplait
BABY FOOD:
these brands may contain GMO's :
Beechnut, enfamil, Good Start, Nestle, Similac, Isomil
( GERBER, Baby's only and Earths Best claim they DO NOT contain GMO's )
BEVERAGES:
these brands may contain GMO's : coca-cola products - including minute maid, Hi-C, nestea, kool aid, tang, capri sun, country time lemonade, crystal light, fruitopia,
libby's ocean spray, Pepsi, tropicana, gator aide, dole and sobe.
DRESSINGS , OILS ETC:
these brands may contain GMO's : crisco, del monte, Heinz, Hellmans, Kraft, Mazola, Pam, Skippy, Smuckers, Wesson, Wishbone
SNACK FOODS:
these brands may contain GMO's :Frito-Lay, Lays, Cheetos, Doritos, Tostitos, Ruffles, Hostess, Keebler, Kraft, Pepperidge Farms, Pringles, Quaker, Balance bars, Nature Valley, Nabisco, Power bar, Quaker granola Bars, Hersheys, Nestle, Toblerone, Lifesavers
BAKED GOODS:
these brands may contain GMO's :Aunt Jemima, Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Pillsbury
CEREAL:
these brands may contain GMO's : Kellogs, Post, General Mills, Quaker