Non-GMO Ingredients
Does your food contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
These days, we can never know for sure if the food we consume contains GMOs or is genetically engineered. Seventy percent (70%) of processed food in the United States is very likely to contain some form of genetic engineering, usually a corn- or soy-based ingredient.
What exactly is genetic engineering? Genetic engineering (or biotechnology) is the science to change the genetic makeup of living cells, producing new organisms with traits unlike those found in nature. By way of genetic engineering, scientists can manipulate genes, creating genetically engineered plants or crops, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Using genetic modification, scientists have created plants with increased insect and herbicide resistance, and changes in color, size, variation and nutritional makeup.
As of 2004, genetically modified corn, soy, flax, tomato, potato, rice, papaya, cotton, squash, canola, sweet potato and sugar beet were commercially available.
Although scientists have and continue to ensure us that genetically modified foods do not impose any risk on humans (what about our pets?), it is still unclear about how these new food products affect our health.
In fact, there are already a number of health-related problems with GMOs, including potential allergic reactions and an increase in antibiotic resistance.
While the governing US regulatory agency (FDA = Food & Drug Administration), has not issued mandatory labeling requirements for foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients, the European Union (EU) has adopted some of the world’s most comprehensive regulations regarding labeling and traceability of genetically modified food and feed.
These regulations are (EC) No. 1829/2003 and No. 1830/2003 along with amending Directive 2001/18/EC, and their enforcement has commenced in April of 2004.
Food manufacturers, who want to sell their products to any of the European Union member states, representing more than 400 million consumers, will need to ensure compliancy with these labeling policies. Other countries following suit with strict GMO policies include Japan and Korea.
The only currently viable way for US consumers to avoid GMO foods is to look for products (voluntarily) labeled as Non-GMO, natural or organic.
Some organizations in the United States, such as the leading natural supermarket chain, have adopted these rules in respect to the absence of genetically modified ingredients, for their private label foods and beverages (so called house brands). Others ban GMO products all together.
Austrade Inc. is one of the leading suppliers of Non-GMO food ingredients in North America.
Our products correspond to current EU-Regulations concerning GMOs as well as domestic requirements. We also offer a variety of NOP- and EU-Organic ingredients.
Want to explore making natural foods? Contact us. We can help!
