Each person is free to choose whether to eat foods with genetically modified organisms or not. At the same time, it will be useful to learn how to recognize such additives, which manufacturers disguise under different names.
Instructions
Step 1
Farmers are increasingly growing transgenic crops - plants with an altered set of genes. This is done in order to increase productivity, frost resistance, calorie content, etc. For example, if the gene line of a potato is diluted with the genes of a scorpion, Colorado beetles will not eat it. And tomatoes and strawberries, which contain the genes of the polar flounder, become insensitive to cold weather.
Step 2
Today, GMO foods are sold in almost every country. First of all, these include agricultural crops: corn (32 lines), rapeseed (32 lines), potatoes (24 lines). Then there are soybeans (11 lines), cotton (9 lines), tomatoes (8 lines), rice (5 lines). In addition, GMOs contain three lines of sugar beet and wheat, two each of papaya, melon and zucchini, one each of chicory and flax.
Step 3
Products made from transgenic crops are also considered genetically modified. These include bean curd and cheeses (particularly tofu), plant-based milk, cornflakes, and tomato paste. Also, GMOs are present in food of animal origin, where vegetable oils have been added - rapeseed, flaxseed, corn, or in the meat of animals that feed on transgenic crops. GMOs can even be found in herbal supplemented baby foods.
Step 4
It is impossible to remember all GMO products, as their number grows and they themselves change. But you can learn to recognize these additives. In addition to the eloquent sign "GMO", which is not put by all producers, transgenic crops are hidden under the letter "E". Although not all additives under this label are GMOs.
Step 5
Soy lecithin is designated as E 322, riboflavin - E 101, xanthan - E 415. All these are derivatives of transgenic crops. Also additives with GM components are E471-473, E475-477, E 479a. In general, there are many such designations and manufacturers often call letters words.
Step 6
Soybean oil is often found in sauces, chips, and crackers. It enhances the taste of foods and also increases their shelf life. Vegetable oils and fats are added to many foods, even baby food. In addition, if a can of stewed meat or a pack of sausages is labeled "vegetable protein", it is most likely GMO.
Step 7
Maltodextrin is a genetically modified starch that is often the main ingredient in baby food, powdered soups, mashed potatoes and desserts. But the designation "modified starch" only means that the product is obtained chemically. It becomes transgenic only if it is produced from appropriate products.
Step 8
Also GMOs include dextrose and glucose syrup. The first gives the baked goods a beautiful golden color. The second is a strong sweetener.
