How to Detect GMO

Advances in food manufacturing make it possible to farmers and produce more food faster. However, some of the advances are due to the genetic modification of foods. A genetically modified organism, or GMO, is a plant, animal or microorganism with altered genetics, often by being infused with the DNA of another species with which the original species would not normally reproduce. Though side-affects due to consumption of GMOs are not yet proven, many people are concerned about possible health issues that may result in the future. At the same time, many people are unaware of the prevalence of GMOs and would not know how to identify GMOs -- even if they were.

Things You'll Need

• PLU code sticker
• Extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Look at the PLU code sticker on your produce. Count the number of digits in the code. Look for four-digit codes, because this indicates the produce was grown conventionally -- with additives. Look for five-digit codes to find GMOs. Those starting with an 8 are organically grown, and codes starting with 9 are GMOs.

• 2

  Purchase foods that do not contain soy, corn, cottonseed or canola as they are often top GMOs.

• 3

  Buy your meats and produce from local farmers and ask how the food is produced.

• 4

  Buy organic foods, because they are never GMOs.