When it comes to food labeling there is currently a lot of media attention to GMO issues and whether or not GMO foods should be labeled. So far legislative challenges have either failed or been so severely curtailed as to be very difficult to achieve. Consumers are very outspoken about their desire for GMO labeling and some retailers have responded by mandating GMO-free products on their shelves within a certain timeframe. I have no doubt that GMO labeling will happen, it's simply a matter of time.
But this column isn't about GMO-labeling. It is, however, about the label that appears on our food and how it can be manipulated to hide information. At this point the only ways to avoid GMOs is to purchase foods which are known to not be genetically modified, foods which are labeled by the Non-GMO Project, or to purchase organic for those foods known to be highly contaminated by GMO. Sadly many people think that the “natural” label also means it is not genetically modified; this is not true and could lead to the purchase of foods with ingredients you do not want to eat. Not only are there very few legal rules regarding the use of the “natural” label, it's currently under attack.
The Grocery Manufacturer's Association (GMA) is a trade organization which is the front group for more than 300 companies in the food business. Large names such as ConAgra, Coca-Cola, Monsanto, and PepsiCo. GMA is currently being sued in Washington State amid claims that it illegally hid contributions from large corporations in the GMO labeling fight for Initiative 522. GMA is once again serving as the spokesgroup for it's member organizations and petitioning the FDA to allow genetically modified foods to be classified as “natural.” It is important to note that there are very limited rules governing the use of the word natural. The FDA specifically states, “FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term natural or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.” Some of the claims made in the GMA's letter are:
GMA's members have a strong interest in “natural” labeling for foods containing ingredients derived from biotechnology. Several of the most common ingredients derived from biotechnology are from crops such as corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets. There are 26 state legislatures considering whether foods containing ingredients derived from biotechnology should be labeled and whether they are permissible in “natural” foods. Moreover there are approximately 65 class action lawsuits that have been filed against food manufacturers over whether foods with ingredients allegedly derived from biotechnology can be labeled “natural.” Given the predominant use of crops derived from biotechnology in our economy as well as consumer and state interest in this issue, whether foods that contain ingredients derived from biotechnology can be labeled “natural” is an important matter to GMA members and one that warrants FDA's involvement.
This is startling for a number of reasons. One is that GMA admits that GMO food labeling is an important issue but obviously spins this in their direction. They are conveniently leaving out the millions of dollars they have already spent in other states to fight against labeling. Another issue to remember is that if this change were permitted to be amended into the limited definition of “natural” foods, it would be a hidden use as the GMO ingredients would still not be declared on the label. And lastly is the number of lawsuits and legislative actions currently on the books regarding this issue. To my knowledge not a single state legislature vote is against GMO labeling. And it is probable that the majority of the class action lawsuits are against the use of GMO in “natural” food products.
But again, GMA is spinning this in their direction. They want labeling as long as it is to their benefit and does not allow consumers to truly understand what's in their food. Genetic modification is not natural. And while the natural label is so weak as to be close to worthless, it should not be modified or amended to specifically include the use of GMO items. There is no petition or open comment from the FDA at this time regarding this issue.
The only way to stay on top of food labeling and health issues is to become an educated consumer. One good resource is the book The Pantry Principle: how to read the label and understand what's really in your food. Staying informed is the best way to know how to make the healthiest food choices for yourself and your loved ones.
All of this is terrifying when you think about it. Our food system is so messed up. Most of the “food” sold in stores isn’t even really fit to be called food in my opinion. As for our bodies adapting to it, we’re not. I’m convinced that our food industry is one of the contributing factors to the startling rapid rise in autoimmune disorders and food allergies.
Those of us who read your blog are lucky enough to have good, truthful information – what concerns me is how the rest of the population is being fleeced!
This is one of those stories which really gets one fired up about
what is the truth. Thank you for sharing this information.
With all the modifications of food, do you think the human body will have to eventually adapt? I’d say I want to go live on a farm and grow my own food but it can still be contaminated by the farm next to me if they are using pesticides and GMO seeds.. so I can live on an island, but the water surrounding me can be contaminated, etc. So, I think our bodies will have to adapt.. or we can all move to Mars and start fresh.
Another great reminder why we should look for real food as close to the natural state as possible. We are what we eat is given new meaning when we realize what is in many of the things we consume.
Holy cow – the nefarious ways of big biz and big government will never cease to appall me. Thanks for the heads up about this, Mira.
Hi Jennifer, Great question!
Shopping the perimeter is okay but sadly stores are getting wise to that, starting to add packaged foods to the produce section and other tricks. Plus with “fresh’ foods it’s important to think about things like pesticides and genetic modifications.
So while shopping the perimeter is good it still requires some thinking to navigate the grocery store.
Wow! It’s pretty scary to think about all the stuff that is being put into foods that we aren’t being told about!
I was once told to shop the “outside of the store” and to look for fresh foods (without added preservatives) whenever possible to help avoid pre-packaged and processed foods … would you say that is still a good approach when grocery shopping?