† Ask Dr. Helen's Healthy Living Shownotes †

Ask Helen Pensanti, M.D.

"Eating Genetically Modified Fruits "

Dear Dr. Helen, I’m confused! I have heard that we may be eating genetically modified fruits without really knowing it. Is this true and what can I do?
Molly, Knoxville, TN

Very interesting that you asked! I am getting quite savvy about retail procedures since I just had the success of getting phyto-progesterone carried at the retail level. You are CORRECT-The GMO industry (genetically modified organisms) has refused to label GMO/non-GMO food in the U.S. So there may NOT be an alert at your produce aisle, but you can tell if you read the INDIVIDUAL STICKERS on pieces of fruit. You have all seen these I am sure.

WHAT ARE THESE STICKERS FOR?

They are there to speed up the check-out process at your grocer. The checker does not need to distinguish what kind of apple you are buying, e.g. Fuji or Gala. They simply key in the PLU code printed on the sticker. PLU stands for Price Look Up. The computer identifies the fruit and its price. The PLU also enables retailers to see how well individual fruits are selling.

HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT EXACTLY WHAT KIND OF PRODUCE YOU ARE BUYING?

It’s simple. Conventionally grown fruit consists of four numbers; organically grown fruit has five numbers with the number nine being the first number. Genetically Engineered Fruit has five numbers with number eight as the first number. SO, a conventionally grown banana would be 4011; an organic banana would be 94011, and a genetically engineered banana would be 84011. You now don’t need to be in the dark on this issue again!

Wishing you Better Health, Naturally,

Dr. Helen Pensanti