Ways to lessen your exposure to GM foods

While politicians debate regulations for labeling and researchers explore the safety issues, there are a few things you can do now if you want to reduce your exposure to GMOs (A genetically modified organism.)

First and foremost, buy organic. Certified organic producers are not allowed to use GM seeds. Unfortuantely, though, there is a slight possibility that organic crops may have been contaminated by nearby GM crops through cross-fertilization.

You can still take on a much more proactive approach. Look for the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal. This stamp means that the producer uses best practices to avoid GMO ingredients. Nearly 6,000 products already carry the seal, and Whole Foods has committed to certifying all its store-brand products (called 365 Everyday Value) with the Non-GMO Project.

Check supplement and vitamin labels. Coatings and fillers are often sourced from GM corn and soy (you'll find them hiding under names like maltodextrin and citric acid), and some pills are produced using GM bacteria and fungi. Go to nongmoproject.org to search for verified brands.

When possible, steer clear of nonorganic products made with ingredients that are most likely GM: corn, soy, canola oil, cottonseed oil, and sugar (unless the label says "pure cane sugar").


Most at risk are pregnant women and children, who are the most likely to be adversely effected by toxins and other dietary problems related to GM foods, so please avoid as much as possible.

If you are short on time or money, you can be informed of the dangers of genetically altered foods. Genetically Altered Foods and Your Health – a short and pocket-sized book, contains 120 pages that lay out the complete landscape of genetically altered foods. These include the promises and the risks of altering the genes in foods; how our food supply has been affected by genetically altered foods; the potential for damage to our health and our ecosystem; damage already done; the politics of genetically altering foods; and how different countries have reacted. The facts are backed up by references.

To learn more about GM foods, check out the book at http://basichealthpub.com/products/genetically-altered-foods-and-your-health or http://www.amazon.com/Genetically-Altered-Foods-Your-Health/dp/1591200598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411678236&sr=8-1&keywords=genetically+altered+food+and+your+risk