You hear a lot of buzz about GMOs these days… Sourcing! Labeling! Biotech! GMO-free! And GMOs are definitely a thought-provoking matter—but how much do you really know about them?
Here are some quick facts. First, the term “GMO” refers to genetically modified organisms. These are plants or animals created in a laboratory through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology. It’s a science that allows DNA from one species to be injected into another species, creating new combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature. And then? Some GMOs may be introduced into our food supply as crop plants. In fact, this has already happened with the majority of corn, canola and soy grown in the U.S. today. Those are just some of the crops that are largely GMO.
So what does this mean? When it comes to our daily lives, the prevalence of GMOs causes two main concerns. For one thing, we don’t really know the long-term impact of GMOs. Many environmental activists, public interest groups, and inquisitive consumers are truly concerned about the potential effects of introducing these man-made organisms into the natural order.
The second issue is that while GMOs are allowed for commercial production in the U.S., there is no federally mandated law to help consumers identify them or products made from them. We know well that GMOs are out there, but how can we know if we’re putting them into our bodies or feeding them to our children?
We Have a Right to Know!
Fortunately, there is one way you can avoid GMOs in your shopping cart—thanks to the Non-GMO Project. The Non-GMO Project is an awesome third-party verification program to help clearly label products that avoid GMOs. They do this by making sure that each verified product adheres to a rigorous standard created by dozens of experts. The Non-GMO Project standard helps ensure that each product is sourced following best practices for GMO avoidance. You can tell a product has met the standard when you see the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on the package. In fact, when New Chapter first heard about the Non-GMO Project and their goals, we were the very first vitamin and supplement company to have products verified. We’re proud to be leading advocates in our industry!
Ready to Go Non-GMO?
October is Non-GMO month, so please join us in going non-GMO! Here are three easy steps:
- Learn more! Find out about crops that are likely to be GMO. Read labels carefully. Find out about GMO labeling legislation!
- Look for the seal. The Non-GMO Project makes things easy—just check for the Verified seal to know whether a product has met their high standards. You’ll find the Non-GMO Project Seal on every New Chapter multivitamin, calcium, fish oil and herbal product!
- Make a difference. When you choose to spend on Non-GMO you support the cause, so you can also shop at Non-GMO Project participating retailers—which includes Vitacost.
This Non-GMO Month—and every month—we’ll do our part at New Chapter by continuing to Deliver the Wisdom of Nature in our products, with organic integrity and genetic clarity.
Tip: the best place to buy non-GMO foods, supplements & snacks is at Vitacost.com!