How to avoid Frankenfoods

Do people have a right to know what’s gone into their food? Polls have repeatedly shown that the vast majority of Americans—more than 90 percent in most studies—believe genetically engineered (GE) foods—a.k.a. Frankenfoods—should be labeled, and yet there are no laws requiring labeling. Here are some things you can do in the meantime:

• Tell the FDA that you support mandatory labeling of genetically engineered food by going to http://justlabelit.org/takeaction.

• Look for the USDA Organic seal and buy organic.

• Avoid the five products that are most likely to be genetically engineered unless they are USDA-certified organic, state that they are not made with genetically engineered ingredients or have a verifiable claim such as “Non-GMO Product Verified”: corn, soy, canola, cotton, sugar made from beets (sugar from cane is not GMO).

• Eat fresh! Most GEs will be found in processed foods containing soy and corn. Eat more fresh vegetables and unprocessed foods.

• When in doubt, ask! Call the manufacturer of your favorite foods and ask if they contain genetically engineered products.