| Organic food is increasingly in demand as | | | | information to help you double check your |
| discriminate consumers become more aware of | | | | produce as to whether or not it is organic is to |
| just how much common food items are the | | | | simply check the PLU code that is printed on the |
| product of genetic engineering. Did you know that | | | | small sticker attached to all produce. If the code |
| over half of processed foods that the average | | | | begins with a 9, then it's really organic produce. If |
| shopper drops in a grocery cart has some | | | | the code starts with a 4, it is conventionally |
| engineered ingredients in the products such as | | | | produced and if the code starts with an 8, it is |
| corn that contains a small amount of pesticide in | | | | genetically engineered. While there are only a few |
| every cell? Or did you know that over 80% of all | | | | varieties of engineered produce sold, this |
| soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically | | | | knowledge is helpful in distinguishing between |
| engineered to withstand heavy chemical exposure | | | | organic produce and the rest. |
| from agricultural weedkiller without dying itself? | | | | Patronize Local Farms in Your Area |
| Even foods that claim to be "organic" are not | | | | One of the best places to find good produce is to |
| always totally organic in nature. Usually the | | | | pick it up from your local farmer's market or |
| product may only have a portion of organic | | | | produce stand on the corner. Some local farms |
| ingredients. Only food items that are labeled | | | | also will allow you to pick your own fruits or |
| "certified organic" are truly organic. | | | | vegetables straight from the plants. This type of |
| Just about everywhere you turn, there are | | | | produce generally has a better flavor, usually has |
| genetically modified foods in favorite drinks, fast | | | | less or no pesticide residue than its big store |
| foods, packaged frozen foods and even in some | | | | counterpart and is fresher because it has not |
| of the "organic" versions of the same. So what | | | | traveled thousands of miles to end up on your |
| are health conscious consumers who want to | | | | dinner table. |
| avoid genetically engineered foods as much as | | | | You also get an added bonus of meeting some |
| possible to do? Other than grow your own | | | | very fine, local farmers who may divulge some of |
| organic food supply in your back yard, here are a | | | | their farming knowledge to you for free! You |
| few suggestions that will help you find safe | | | | may also find unpasturized milk and cheese from |
| replacements to the commonly produced food | | | | area farmers that is delicious and healthy. Even |
| supply. | | | | though some of the local foods may not be |
| Choose Certified Organic FoodsWhen you shop at | | | | "certified organic," you can bet that they are |
| a grocery store or whole food store, be sure to | | | | healthier than just about anything you will find in a |
| look for food that carries a label reading "Certified | | | | large grocery store chain. |
| Organic." This is the best assurance that you are | | | | While it may take a little time investigating your |
| purchasing organically grown foods. Don't be | | | | best food sources that are truly organic, it is well |
| fooled by simply the word "organic" listed | | | | worth the effort given the huge rewards to gain |
| somewhere in a title or on a food label. Only a | | | | in better health and better tasting foods for you |
| "Certified Organic" label is the real deal. | | | | and your family. |
| Check the Produce CodesA handy bit of | | | | |