GMO Update | Green Nature Marketing
In a 2014 blog we discussed the non-GMO debate.
At that time we explained, “GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are plants or animals created through gene splicing (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.”
As we pointed out, “It’s scary to think that through experimental technology [scientists] can re-create their own version of nature.”
What’s been happening with GMOs since then?
Many food growers and manufacturers today are more focused than ever before on the hazards of GMOs to our health and the environment. Moreover, consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of eating clean and of avoiding GMO foods. In fact, according to Smithsonian Magazine, “Sales of products labeled as non-GMO have grown 30 percent”—and this was in 2015. Last year Food Business News reported, “Evidence suggesting a shift of mainstream food and beverage products toward non-genetically modified ingredients is growing.”
As of 2017, 64 nations—including the European Union countries, Australia, Brazil, China, and Russia—now require disclosure labeling for genetically modified foods. Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of the Center for Food Safety, points out, “Global GE labeling laws are springing up because both governments and citizens alike instinctively understand we all have the basic human right to know what we put in our bodies and where it came from.”
Unfortunately, according to the CFS, the U.S. still “lags behind.” This lag may be because the issue of non-GMO certification can be a thorny one. For example, various types of “certification” or “verification” exist from diverse organizations worldwide. At Green Nature Marketing we believe the best non-GMO verification is from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) with its “organic” certification.
“USDA organic” food items have met rigorous production and labeling requirements. They have adhered to strict conditions regarding excluded production methods (such as the use of genetic engineering) and prohibited substances (such as certain pesticides). The “USDA organic” certification hits all the bases for truly non-GMO foods. And the requirements mean other important conditions have been satisfied, ensuring that a “USDA organic” product is 100 percent clean and meets optimum sustainability standards.
Green Nature Marketing and our sustainable brands are committed to supporting the foodservice community. We appreciate any opportunity to work with the established foodservice distribution supply chain to accommodate our customer’s needs for excellent customer service. If you are interested in learning more about our brands or have questions regarding our company, please get in touch via email at communications@greennaturemktg.com or through our website.
