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When you're buying produce its easy to know if its genetically modified or not. A four digit code means its conventionally grown. A five digit code starting with 9 means its organic. A five digit code starting with 8 means its GMO - don't take the poison apple from the kindly old witch like Snow White did!
Don't be afraid - there isn't much genetically modified produce available; rumor has it that papayas are the only GM hand fruit.
reference link:
http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2004/10/11/umbra-plu/
The Creative Citizen Network:
thecitizen says:
Determining by these codes is a wonderful method for determining GMOs. Another way is to look for flaws as most GMO vegies and fruits look a little too perfect as organics look more natural.
The next question is how do you determine if there are GMOs in your packaged goods. Some rules of thumb:
1) High Fructose Corn Syrup is ALWAYS GMO...time to put down the Soda, people...in fact anything with corn that doesn't say it's organic is almost always GMO
2) sugar, potatoes, canolla oil are almost always GMO until specifically stated otherwise
3) same with SOY...yes soy, the love of many...soy is one of the most frequently GMO products on the market. Unless it says organic or non-gmo its a NO GO.
posted 02/15/08 at 10:45 AM