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 3 ways below, consumers can identify which foods are genetically modified to consider before using.

1. Identify through external appearance

With some foods, you can easily identify whether they are genetically modified or organic foods with the naked eye. Organic foods often have different shapes, colors, and textures.Unattractive, uneven in size, may have signs of insect damage due to natural cultivation.

Genetically modified products are “improved” compared to the old variety, so the appearance will be more eye-catching, the product size will be uniform... For example, with genetically modified corn varieties, the corn cobs are large, the corn kernels are much larger, the kernels are purple or “rainbow”.

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 applied by many countries around the world, including Vietnam.

Look for the abbreviations "GMO-free," "Non-GMO," or "Products without genetically modified ingredients"; these products may contain GMOs but no more than 0.9%.

The phrase “genetically modified” in Vietnamese will be written next to the name of the genetically modified ingredient along with the content on the product label, according to regulations.

3. Identification through code

Distinguishing GMO and organic foods through barcodes.

This is the easiest way to identify GMO foods, provided you purchase from reputable distributors and importers.

The code is usually affixed according to foreign regulations and is directly performed by Vietnamese inspection facilities. According to regulations, processed materials sold on the market today must have a code for distinction.

To know whether foods such as vegetables, fruits are genetically modified or not, you need to pay attention to the numbers on the code. If the label has a series of 5 numbers, starting with the number 8, this is a GMO food. In cases where the first number starts with the number 9, it is a 100% organic food that is safe for the body.

* Common genetically modified foods on the market

About 85%corngrown 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 top GMO food because manufacturers want them to be high in oleic acid. Oleic acid is naturally found in olive oil, a monounsaturated fat that can lower bad cholesterol when used in place of other fats.

Yellow zucchini and green zucchini: The quantity of these two genetically modified foods sold on the market is not much. These two squash varieties have protein genes that fight viruses. However, you will have a hard time distinguishing between GMO zucchini and regular zucchini.

Pumpkin:Many varieties of pumpkin have been genetically modified to be disease resistant. So when buying pumpkin, it is best to buy organic.

Sugar beet:Among genetically modified foods, beets are the most controversial. They were approved for genetic modification in 2005, but were banned in 2010 and re-approved in 2012.

Cornstarchis a flour made from genetically modified corn. Corn flour has no nutritional value but carries all the risks of genetically modified foods. It is used in many industrial foods and can cause digestive problems.

Tomato:When tested, genetically modified tomatoes had fewer antioxidant properties than natural tomatoes. Furthermore, because they are genetically modified, the fruit is less nutritious.

Sausage:In addition to preservatives, most sausages contain corn syrup, which is also considered a genetically modified food. Therefore, you should not buy prepackaged sausages but buy sausages made from clean, organic meat.

Cream:This summertime treat contains HFCS, corn syrup, and cornstarch, plus rGBH. Unless you buy organic ice cream or make your own from organic ingredients, chances are that a spoonful of your ice cream is loaded with genetically modified DNA and growth hormones.

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)