What is a GMO or a Non-GMO?

According to non-gmoreport.com, Non-GMO means non-genetically modified organisms. GMOs (genetically modified organisms), are novel organisms like a plant or animal created in a laboratory using genetic modification/engineering techniques. Scientists and consumer and environmental groups have cited many health and environmental risks with foods containing GMOs.

One group to note here is The Non-GMO Project, a mission-driven nonprofit organization offering a third-party non-GMO verification program to the standard consumers expect. They are the established market leader for GMO avoidance and have been helping the industry since their butterfly stamp first appeared on store shelves in 2010.

The Non-GMO Project mentions that GMO Engineering creates combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. Most GMOs have been engineered to withstand the direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. However, new technologies are now being used to artificially develop other traits in plants, such as a resistance to browning in apples, and to create new organisms using synthetic biology. Despite biotech industry promises, there is no evidence that any of the GMOs currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.

The USDA states that the use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is prohibited in organic products. So if you're interested in GMO-Free living then Certified Organic products are a good thing to look for. To elaborate, an organic farmer can't plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can't eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic soup producer can't use any GMO ingredients. To meet the USDA organic regulations, farmers and processors must prove they aren't using GMOs and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances, such as GMOs, from farm to table.

Many US companies have recently been making the effort to switch to Non-GMO or organic ingredients, verified or not, in light of the widespread public education on what Non-GMO means for consumers.

The bar chart below (sourced from USDA Animal and Health Inspection Service) shows all deregulated crops, sized by the number of genetic varieties approved for each. The ten GMO crops in green are currently produced in the United States.

As you can see from the chart above, genetically modified potatoes are plentiful in the US. As supporters of the initiative, Isola Imports guarantees that no genetically modified ingredients are used in Isola's Fresh Potato Gnocchi. Only fresh, all natural potatoes are used in Isola's Fresh Potato Gnocchi, for authentic Italian quality that consumers can taste.

You can always avoid genetically modified foods by looking for Non-GMO Project verified products. These food products, such as Isola's Potato Gnocchi, have gone through a rigorous verification program to minimize the risk of GMO contamination, giving you the best assurance they are non-GMO. Non-GMO Project Verified is North America's most trusted seal for GMO avoidance. For more information visit www.nongmoproject.org or contact Isola Imports at info@isolaimports.com.