GMOs in 'Naturally' Labelled Foods
Is your food really 'Natural'?
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) found in Genetically Modified Foods are used so that produce can withstand herbicide treatment and thwart diseases.
Would it surprise you that food that was deemed 'natural' may contain GMOs. Being deceived in not getting what you thought you bought is one thing, but genetically modified foods are generally said not to be healthy so it could also be affecting your well-being.
The report below discusses how labeling can be misleading and to be more aware of the food you buy.
A recent report found that a majority of domestically packaged food tested and labeled as “natural” in fact contain a significant level of genetically modified ingredients, spurring calls for food manufacturers to be honest about what their products contain.
Independent product testing organization Consumers Reports conducted a survey of more than 80 processed foods purchased between April and July 2014 that contained corn or soy. Findings showed that foods labeled as “non-GMO” or “organic” didn’t contain genetically modified versions of the crops. Foods labeled as “natural” or without any claim about GMO content, however, contained large amounts of GMO ingredients, the group said.
Consumers are being misled by the “natural” label, Urvashi Rangan, executive director of Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability, told Reuters.
Food manufacturers claim that crops don’t harm the human body, but critics point to studies that link GMOs to health problems in humans and animals and environmental issues.
Aside from the issue of GMOs specifically, food companies have been able to lead deceptive marketing campaigns to make their products appear healthier than they are. “Natural” counts among the misleading buzzwords — along with “organic,” “wholegrain,” and “gluten free” — that can trick customers into thinking they’re buying groceries with more nutritional value.
Convoluted nutritional labels can also make it difficult for people to figure out what exactly is in the food they’re buying.