Is that genetically modified food you’re eating? - Drs. G. & M. Pearsall

Most people will not be able to answer that question because the FDA does not require food that has been genetically modified to be labeled as such. In fact, 80% of our processed foods have been genetically modified. The FDA also does not require any specific testing to determine if it is safe. Compare that to many countries within the European Union including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Luxembourg who have banned genetically modified "Frankenfoods."

While that may not bother many consumers, others may be interested to know that foods such as: corn, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, papaya, rice, beets, flax, radishes, soybeans, bananas, alfalfa, fish, cantaloupes and canola may be crossbred with genes from viruses, bacteria and even animal genes. So how can you tell the difference?  Simple, check the sticker on your produce for the PLU code. A conventionally grown product will have a four digit code (1234). An organically grown product will have a five digit code beginning with the number "9" (91234). A genetically modified product will have a five digit code beginning with the number "8" (81234).