Can You Tell If You're Buying Genetically Modified Food?

Not many consumers realize that the FDA does not require genetically modified food to be labeled, but if you notice growers do put little stickers on produce with a PLU code on it.  The code is a clue to whether the food is conventionally grown, organically grown or genetically engineered.

Marion Owen, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Gardener's Soul explains the codes:

For conventionally grown fruit, (grown with chemicals inputs), the PLU code on the sticker consists of four numbers. Organically grown fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 9. Genetically engineered (GM) fruit has a five-numeral PLU prefaced by the number 8.

For example:
A conventionally grown banana would be: 4011
An organic banana would be: 94011
A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011

Why are these codes important?  Over 80% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified. Many countries in the European Union have been banning GM products and produce (including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Luxembourg).  Tom and I have decided to eat more healthily by growing our own fruits and vegetables or buying as much as we can locally grown, fresh, and organic.