EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GMO

Perhaps you’ve heard of GMOs, but maybe you’re still asking yourself, what does GMO stand for? As more non-GMO companies appear on the scene, the term is becoming more popular – and for a good reason. GMO-free products offer a number of health benefits that other foods simply do not provide. Each of us only gets one body. So why not nourish it?

As one of the non-GMO food companies in the market, we’ll explain everything you need to know about GMOs and modified foods, including what GMO stands for and how it affects food. We’ll also offer information about what it takes to be labeled a non-GMO food and how to find them in the grocery store. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be an expert on the topic.

WHAT DOES GMO STAND FOR?

Maybe you’ve heard that GMOs are bad, but you don’t know why. After all, those three little letters sound harmless. But when you learn what they mean, you might change your mind.

The term GMO is short for genetically modified organism. In the case of food, this means that it has been genetically engineered, using techniques such as cloning and protein engineering or even using genetically modified crops, for reasons that are not related to health or nutrition. It might sound like science fiction, but it’s very much a reality.

Although genetically engineered foods have been on the market since 1994, the first large-scale commercial harvest of GMO seeds and crops occurred in the United States in 1996. Today, as many as 75% of all food products that you can find in the grocery store contain ingredients that made them into GMO products in some way.

HOW DO GMOS AFFECT FOOD?

With so many GMO foods in our grocery stores and on our plates, you might be wondering how GMOs affect food. But no one knows for sure at this point.

Genetically engineered foods have only been sold since 1994, and little research has been conducted to determine the long-term effects on humans in regards to modified foods. Most of the studies of the effects of GMO ingredients have been performed on animals and the results are a bit alarming.

Some studies link GMO foods to metabolic changes, inflammation, kidney and liver issues, and infertility, but this all varies on a case-by-case basis. In fact, one study looked at the effects of GMO soy on hamsters. By the third generation, hamsters that are GMO soy produced about half as many pups as their counterparts consuming non-GMO foods in their diet.

In addition to these problems, people with food allergies worry that transferring genes between plants will cause allergens from peanuts, corn, or wheat to appear in unexpected places such as in soy or sugar. It’s also possible that genetic engineering could result in entirely new allergens, which is a frightening thought for allergy-sufferers and non-allergy-sufferers alike.

WHAT VERIFIES A NON-GMO FOOD?

Although no one really knows how GMOs affect humans, the FDA does not require companies to label GMO foods. More people are petitioning the agency to issue a GMO labeling requirement, following nearly 50 other countries, including Brazil, China, and most of Europe.

Until all GMO foods and modified crops are labeled as such, the only way to avoid them and their uncertain health effects is to buy Non-GMO Project Verified Products.

Getting a company’s products verified as non-GMO is an in-depth process that is conducted by the Non-GMO Project.

•   The first step requires the company to select a technical administrator. The Non-GMO Project works with four independent technical administrators.

 

•   The second step asks the company to sign the Non-GMO Project license agreement that outlines the use of the Non-GMO Project name and verification mark.

 

•   The third step is the product evaluation process with the technical administrator. The administrator will request documents to evaluate ingredients and the manufacturing facility. He or she may also perform GMO testing and an onsite inspection.

 

•   The fourth step involves promoting the approved non-GMO products online and in stores. The Non-GMO Project Marketing team will assist the company in this process.

 

•   The fifth step is an annual renewal to ensure that all verified products still qualify with the non-GMO project verified seal.

Although this is an extensive process for non-GMO food companies, it makes it much easier for you to find non-GMO products in the grocery store. All you have to do is to look for products that have the butterfly non-GMO logo that says “Non-GMO Project.” All Munk Pack products are proud to display this verification logo on the packaging to help you make healthy food choices.

Your health is your most valuable asset. Fuel your body with nutrition that will keep you energized, strong, and healthy by selecting Non-GMO Project Verified Products.

All Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeezes and Protein Cookies are Non-GMO Project Verified Products. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that we use only high-quality, non-GMO ingredients that adhere to the Non-GMO Project’s regulations.

 

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