3 tips to identify genetically modified foods
(Baonghean.vn) - Distinguishing genetically modified foods from traditional foods is not easy when product labeling and packaging are still ambiguous... With the three methods below, consumers can identify genetically modified foods and consider them before consuming them.
1. Identification through external appearance
 |
With some foods, you can easily tell whether they are genetically modified or organic with the naked eye. Organic foods usually have a similar shape and color.Not visually appealing, uneven in size, and may show signs of insect damage due to being naturally grown.
Genetically modified products are "improved" compared to the old varieties, so they have a more attractive appearance and more uniform product size. For example, genetically modified corn has larger ears, much bigger kernels, and kernels that are purple or "rainbow-colored".
2. Read the inspection label.
 |
| Genetically modified foods sold in Vietnam will be required to be labeled. |
Regulations on labeling genetically modified foods have been adopted by many countries around the world, including Vietnam.
Look for abbreviations like "GMO-free," "Non-GMO," or "Product free of genetically modified ingredients"; these products may contain GMOs, but not more than 0.9%.
According to regulations, the term "genetically modified" in Vietnamese will be listed next to the name of the genetically modified ingredient, along with its quantity, on the product label.
3. Identification through code
 |
| Distinguish between GMO and organic foods using barcodes. |
This is the easiest way to identify GMO foods, provided you buy from reputable distributors or importers.
The codes are usually affixed according to foreign regulations and are directly implemented by Vietnamese inspection facilities. By regulation, all processed ingredients sold on the market today must have codes for identification.
To determine if foods like vegetables and fruits are genetically modified (GMO), pay attention to the numbers on the barcode. If the label has a five-digit number sequence starting with the number 8, it is a GMO product. If the first digit starts with the number 9, it is a 100% organic product, safe for consumption.
* Common types of genetically modified foods on the market
 |
| Approximately 85%cornCorn and soybeans grown in the US are listed as GMO foods. Many producers have modified corn and soybeans to make them resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, used to kill weeds. |
 |
| SoybeansSoybeans are a leading genetically modified food because manufacturers want them to have a high oleic acid content. Oleic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in olive oil; it's a monounsaturated fat that can lower bad cholesterol when used as a replacement for other fats. |
 |
| Yellow zucchini and green zucchiniThe quantity of these two genetically modified foods sold on the market is not large. Both varieties of zucchini contain genes that produce proteins that fight viruses. However, it would be difficult to distinguish between GMO zucchini and regular zucchini. |
 |
| Pumpkin:Many varieties of pumpkins have been genetically modified to resist disease. Therefore, when buying pumpkins, it's best to buy organic ones. |
 |
| Sugar beet:Among genetically modified foods, red beets are the most controversial. This root vegetable was permitted to be genetically modified in 2005, then banned in 2010, and subsequently re-approved in 2012. |
 |
| CornstarchIt is flour made from genetically modified corn. Corn flour has no nutritional value but carries all the risks of genetically modified food. This flour is used in many types of processed foods and can cause digestive problems. |
 |
| Tomato:Tests have shown that genetically modified tomatoes have fewer antioxidant properties than naturally occurring tomatoes. Furthermore, because they are genetically modified, they have reduced nutritional content. |
 |
| Sausage:Besides preservatives, most sausages contain corn syrup, so they are also considered genetically modified foods. Therefore, you should avoid buying pre-packaged sausages and instead buy sausages made from clean, organic meat. |
 |
| Cream:This summer treat contains HFCS, corn syrup, and cornstarch, plus rGBH. Unless you buy organic ice cream or make it yourself from organic ingredients, chances are a spoonful of modified DNA and growth hormones is ingested. |
Ngoc Anh
(Synthetic)
| RELATED NEWS |
|---|
