PLU Codes Do Not Indicate Genetically Modified Produce

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PLU Codes Do Not Indicate Genetically Modified Produce

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bt Jeffrey Smith: Author and Founder of the Institute for Responsible

Technology

 

 

Let's put a rumor to rest. No, the 5-digit PLU codes on produce do not

tell you what is genetically modified or natural. This urban legend has

circulated long enough, even on the best of websites. It's time to take it

down.

 

 

The 4-digit PLU codes on the sometimes-pain-in-the-neck labels glued to

apples, for example, tell the checkout lady which is a small Fuji (4129) and

which is a Honeycrisp (3283). She'll know what to charge you and the

inventory elves will know what's what. If there's a 5-digit code starting with

9,

then it's organic.

 

 

These numbers, organized by the Produce Marketing Association, have

nothing to do with you. According to Kathy Means, Association Vice President of

Public Relations and Government Affairs, this is an optional convention for

retailers and their supplier and is not designed as a communication tool

for customers. If you want to know which items are organic, look for the word

Organic; and stop squinting at tiny codes.

 

 

GMO codes are hypothetical

 

 

Those that run PLU-universe figured that someday some retailer might want

to distinguish between a GMO and a non-GMO for price or inventory purposes.

So they created a convention of 5 digits starting with an 8, just in case

it catches on. But it hasn't. No one uses that number 8 as far as we can

tell. And why would they? Most Americans say they would avoid GMOs if they

were labeled.

 

 

Some seed companies don't even want gardeners to know which seed is

genetically modified. One company that sells zucchini seeds outfitted with

virus

genes announced that they would refuse to sell seed packets in Vermont,

since the state legislature requires GM seeds to be labeled.

 

 

Shopping Guide helps you avoid GMOs

 

 

Where does that leave you—if you happen to be one of those finicky eaters

who values your immune and reproductive systems, and don't want your kids

to end up with the organ damage common among GMO-fed lab animals?

 

 

Fortunately, we've got you covered. Go to _www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com_

(http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/) and peruse the long lists of non-GMO

and GMO brands by category. Download a two-page version, order the pocket

guide, or even equip your iPhone with the new app " ShopNoGMO " .

 

 

Although a list of non-GMO brands won't help you figure out if your

produce is genetically modified, the great news is that there are only 4 GMO

veggies or fruits at this point: papaya, but only from Hawaii and no where

else; some zucchini and yellow squash, and some corn on the cob. For these,

unless it says organic or boasts a non-GMO sign in the store, eating them is a

gamble. It could be GMO.

 

 

If you're not sure if GMOs are bad for you, we've got you covered there

too. Visit _www.HealthierEating.org_ (http://www.healthiereating.org/) , and

read, listen, or watch, and find out why more and more doctors and medical

organizations are prescribing non-GMO diets to all patients.

 

 

 

International bestselling author and filmmaker Jeffrey M. Smith is the

executive director of the _Institute for Responsible Technology_

(http://www.responsibletechnology.org/GMFree/Home/index.cfm) . His first book,

_Seeds of

Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the

Genetically Engineered Foods You're Eating_

(http://www.chelseagreen.com/index/bookstore/item/seeds_of_deception/) , is the

world's bestselling and #1

rated book on GMOs. His second, _Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health

Risks of Genetically Engineered Foods_

(http://www.chelseagreen.com/index/bookstore/item/genetic_roulette/) , documents

65 health risks of the GM foods

Americans eat everyday. Both are distributed by _Chelsea Green Publishing_

(http://www.chelseagreen.com/) . To help you choose healthier, non-GMO brands,

use the _Non-GMO Shopping Guide_

(http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/SG/Home/index.cfm) .