Transgenes, GMOs, modified components … These words mean plant varieties and animal species obtained as a result of breeding experiments. Foreign genes are inserted into the DNA of a plant in a laboratory way. They do this in order to increase resistance to various chemical additives, resistance to pests and diseases, as well as to increase productivity and reduce costs. Modified products, along with conventional ones, are marketed and used in food production. How dangerous are transgenes? There is no definite answer. Most scientists agree that the consequences of using GMOs need to be investigated over the next 10-50 years. Therefore, do not take risks, choose products without harmful additives, following simple rules.
Instructions
Step 1
Russian legislation provides for the labeling of transgenic products. This means that every food manufacturer must check the raw materials used for the presence of GMOs and inform the buyer about it. Products containing more than 0.9% of transgenic ingredients must necessarily have information on the presence and quantity of GMOs on the packaging. Moreover, the information should be placed on an individual wrapper, and not on a common box or box. But in fact, the marks "contains GMOs" are practically not found. Manufacturers prefer to print important information in small print in the corner of the label. Therefore, be vigilant and do not rush to make a choice.
Step 2
Another reference point is the icon of the manufacturer's voluntary refusal to use transgenes. On domestic products, there are two options: a green leaf in a square with the inscription "No transgenes" or a green circle with the words "Does not contain GMOs!" The presence of such markings guarantees the fact that the product has been tested in the laboratory and has earned the approval of specialists.
Step 3
Go to the grocery store only after a hearty meal. This little trick will not only save your finances, but also allow you to be more critical in the choice of goods. Hunger will not rush and seduce you.
Step 4
Read the composition of the product carefully. The ingredients are indicated in descending order of their quantity per 100 g of the product. In the first positions should be clear words denoting simple components - pork, beef, flour, milk, etc. This is followed by spices, condiments and additives. If modified starch or modified soy protein is indicated immediately after the main component, then its proportion in the composition is very high. Look for a more natural product.
Step 5
Take special care to study the composition of the following foods:
- boiled and smoked sausages, sausages, wieners;
- semi-finished products containing minced meat (cutlets, dumplings, pancakes, pasties, manti, etc.), canned meat;
- semi-finished products with vegetables and sauces (lasagna, pizza, etc.);
- Long shelf life baked goods, usually containing soy protein and starch. Both ingredients can be transgenic.
Step 6
Soy is the GMO champion. Up to 80% of soybeans produced in the United States are modified products. It is added to convenience foods, cookies, ice cream, chocolate, sauces, and many other foods. Try to avoid foods containing soy.
Step 7
Another dangerous product is modified starch (maltodextrin). It is obtained from transgenic potatoes. It is added as a thickener in ketchup and other industrial sauces, as well as in yoghurts, baked goods and sweets. Popular modified potato products such as chips, instant potato flakes and frozen fries are also banned.
Step 8
However, any fast food should not be abused. Most of the "fast food" is cheap and made from extremely low quality food. Popcorn and chewing gum often contain transgenic corn. It is also used to make dextrose, a sweetener in carbonated drinks.
Step 9
The list of vegetables and fruits with transgenic varieties is extremely large: potatoes, tomatoes, corn, beets, zucchini, apples, plums, grapes, cabbage, eggplants, cucumbers, etc. Therefore, when choosing plant-based foods for lunch, pay attention to the country of origin and appearance. And it will be almost perfect for modified tomatoes or apples: smooth skin, shiny and dense, the same size, not a single speck. However, they do not have the characteristic aroma of fresh fruit or vegetable, and when cut, they do not let the juice in. Their flesh is dense, homogeneous, but tasteless.
Step 10
Do not buy, if possible, varieties of fruits and vegetables brought from distant countries. Only transgenic products do not deteriorate for a long time, do not change color and are not eaten by insects. Buy seasonal vegetables and fruits grown in your area.
