Despite their growing familiarity with GMOs, consumers’ in-depth knowledge is currently quite limited as to which products have (or don’t have) GMO ingredients or which crops use GMO seeds. Almost 60% of American consumers have “a fair or poor understanding” of GMO foods.
The vast majority of Americans – 88% – said they support the mandatory labeling of foods containing GMOs, and 91% agreed that people have the right to know when they buy or eat products that contain genetically modified ingredients.
Do Consumers Really Understand GMOs
Genetically modified organisms – GMOs is a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.
Genetic modification affects many of the products we consume on a daily basis. As the number of GMOs available for commercial use grows every year, the Non-GMO Project works diligently to provide the most accurate, up-to-date standards for non-GMO verification.
Organic vs Natural Foods
People usually think that there is no difference between natural and organic food and that both mean the same. However, this is not true. If you compare organic and natural from their definitions, the difference will be quite clear.
Organic Food
Organic food refers to items that are produced using fewer artificial but beneficial means. Stringent standards for organic food production, handling, and processing exist throughout the world. Organic food refers to the food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic methods defined by certifying bodies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act.
Natural Food
Items are minimally synthesized. Stringent standards do not exist for natural food products in many parts of the world. These are derived from plants and animals. Thus a natural food item is not necessarily organic and vice versa.
Difference Between Organic & Natural Food
Organic labels have legal implications. A manufacturer must follow the specified rules and regulations before using the organic label. Natural labels are normally used freely by manufacturers due to lack of adequate guidelines. Both are priced very high, and the demand if very high on both.
Fortress Nutrition
Fortress is your raw material and packaging component sourcing partner. We search the world for the best, freshest quality ingredients – and we guarantee them. Every move an ingredient makes within our climate-controlled facility is documented and can be easily traced.
FORTRESS NUTRITION is continually awarded the highest grades and certifications in the consumable and food industries. FORTRESS’ experience, associations and certifications prove we can manage the highest quality ingredients at the best price. We can handle it all, whether it is Kosher, organic, minimally processed or GMO-free.