How to ID Genetically Engineered Fruit

There has been much controversy around genetically-engineered foods, especially produce. While consumers are concerned about the differences in genetically engineered fruits and those that are traditionally grown, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't feel that they are different enough to need special testing or labeling. Use these steps to learn what you are looking at the next time you are in the produce section of your supermarket.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Ask the manager of your local supermarket if they purchase and carry genetically engineered fruits. Since the FDA doesn't require labeling it can be virtually impossible to tell the difference between genetically engineered fruits and traditionally grown fruits.

2. Check the Price Look Up (PLU) number on the fruit. On individual fruits this is the sticker on the piece of fruit. On bags, check the UPC code or on bunches of fruits, look for a tag. If the number is 5 digits long it is either organic or genetically engineered. Genetically engineered fruit PLU's start with an "8". If you are unsure about this, ask your cashier to look the item up for you to make sure.

3. Talk to your local fruit stand or farmer's market to ask what they know about genetically engineered (GE) fruits. Ask them if they GE their fruits.

4. Ask your doctor or dietitian what information they have about identifying GE fruits. They may know something that has yet to be released to the public. They may also have an opinion as to whether or not you should consume GE fruits.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like to see stricter guidelines on GE fruits and foods, contact the FDA or your local congressman's office.
• You have a right to know what you are eating. While, the FDA may not think there is any harm in eating GE fruits, there have been cases of people developing severe allergies to foods where they had none before.

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