Non-GMO, what is it and what to buy!

If you have a made a trip to the new Whole Foods Market in Wichita, or have been looking for healthy eating options for your family, you may have run across the term Non-GMO.  What!? is Non-GMO? and why is this important to you and your family?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. *It is the process of intentionally making a desired gene of a plant or organism and using it in another plant. The result is GMO. Sometimes referred to as "Biotechnology", "biotech seeds", "biotech foods", or "genetic engineering". 

Celebrate Non-GMO Awareness Month 

In March 2013, Whole Foods market became the first national grocer to commit to 100% transparency in GMO labeling of products sold in its stores by 2018.  October is national Non-GMO month, and because this can be a confusing topic, it’s great to always learn more!

1. Go organic!

The best way to avoid GMOs is to buy organic. The USDA National Organic Standards prohibit the use of GMOs.

2. Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building the non-GMO food supply, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. They believe that everyone deserves an informed choice about whether or not to consume genetically modified organisms.

To be allowed to carry a Non-GMO Project Verified seal on food packaging, companies submit their products to the Non-GMO Project and undergo an extensive ingredient and supply chain review to achieve the certification. The Non-GMO Project Verification logo can only be used when a product is made without the intentional use of GMO ingredients. If a product is Non-GMO Project Verified and organic, it’s considered top notch, like Nature’s Path cereal.  

3. Choose 365 Everyday Value® Products – Ingredients Sourced to Avoid GMOs:

365 Everyday Value® is Whole Foods Market’s store brand. All plant-derived ingredients in this product line are sourced to avoid GMOs. (Note: If a product has meat, eggs or dairy ingredients, they could be from animals that were given GMO feed — unless the product is organic or Non-GMO Project Verified.)

Whole Foods Market is in the process of certifying its store brand with the Non-GMO Project; hundreds of 365 Everyday Value® products have achieved certification to date. You can also visit wholefoodsmarket.com to download a list of Non-GMO Project Verified products in your favorite Whole Foods Market locations here.

6. Give Non-GMO Foods a Try

To learn more and explore products that are Non-GMO Project verified, stop by your local Whole Foods Market for a free taste fair featuring local and national Non-GMO Project verified foods on Saturday, 10/18 from 12 – 3 PM in all Colorado locations.

7. Support Companies Who Support GMO Labeling:

These and other companies are leading the way for transparency in labeling:

·         Amy's Kitchen

·         Annie's Homegrown

·         Appelgate

·         Bhakti Chai

·         Daiya Foods

·         Dr. Bronner’s

·         Justin's

·         Lundberg Family Farms

·         Nature's Path

·         New Belgium Brewery

·         Nutiva

·         Quinn Popcorn

·         Silver Hills Bakery

·         Snack Out Loud

·         Stonyfield Farm

·         Vital Farms

·         Third Street

·         Hope Hummus

·         Earth Balance

·         EVOL

·         Glutino

·         Level

·         Smart Balance

·         Udi’s

·         Frontier Spices

·         Arrowhead Mills

·         DeBoles

·         Earth’s Best Organic

·         Greek Gods Yogurt

·         Imagine Foods

·         Celestial Seasonings

·         Rice Dream

·         Soy Dream

·         Garden of Eatin’

·         Bearitos

·         Terra Chips

·         Yves Veggie Dogs

·         Alba Botanica

·         Avalon Organics

·         Jason

·         Andalou

·         And more!

·         Boulder Brands  (http://www.boulderbrands.com/our-brands/)

·         Frontier Natural Products Co-Op (http://www.frontiercoop.com/brands.php)

·         Hain Celestial Group (http://www.hain-celestial.com/brands.php)