The Myth Of PLU Codes And GMO Foods

[William]

So how can you avoid GMO foods?


As Jeffrey Smith of the Huffington Post reported:

“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.”
He continues:
“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.”

[Elizabeth]

"So how can you avoid GMO foods? Four steps you can take are:

1. Buy organic, since organic foods cannot contain GMO’s.
2. Look for products labeled “GMO free.”
3. Avoid the “big four” ingredients most likely to be GMO: corn, soybeans, cottonseed and canola unless they are marked organic or GMO free.
4. Download the Non-GMO Shopping Guide here"

Good to know, William. Farmer's produce direct, produce labelled organic (not natural) and growing our own is still the best way to go.