Over the last few years, I've become pretty good at reading product labels. I've learned what ingredients to avoid and what ones to look for. I've discovered that products labelled "natural" or "made with organic ingredients" are not the same as ones that are certified organic. But did you know that you even need to check the labels on the fresh produce you buy too?
That's right, you know the little sticker they put on fresh fruits and vegetables? That little sticker actually has a wealth of information. It is a PLU code that grocery stores use to help them track their inventory. It is typically 4-5 digits and by looking at the code, you can determine how the produce is grown.
Here's the key to crack the code:
Conventional Produce: 4 digits
Organic produce: 5 digits beginning with a 9
Genetically engineered produce: 5 digits beginning with an 8
So, be sure to steer clear of the 5 digit produce beginning with an 8.
Genetically modified foods are supposed to be safe, but the reality is no one knows for sure. Heck, years ago were drinking out of lead goblets, because they thought it was safe! I recently had my water tested to make sure there wasn't any lead in it.
I think it is wise to err on the side of caution.