NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH

NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH

October is a month of harvest and National Non-GMO Month promotes awareness about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). GMOs are also known as bioengineered crops and food. A GMO is an organism that has been genetically modified in a laboratory using bioengineering. GMO foods have been on the market since 1994, but food labeling regarding GMOs didn't arrive until 2016.

GMO Timeline

• 1982 - The FDA approves genetical modified human insulin - the first consumer GMO product.

• 1992 - FDA updates its policy to state that foods from GMO plants must meet the same safety standards as non-GMO foods.

• 1994 - Calgene introduces the first GMO crop - the Flavr-Savor tomato.

• 2003 - The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations develop international guidelines and standards for GMO food safety.

• 2016 - The U.S. Congress passes the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods.

A variety of foods in the U.S. are genetically engineered and many of them are ingredients in the foods we eat. Some of the most common GMO crops are:

• Soybeans

• Corn

• Sugar beets

• Canola

• Cotton

But there are several more and the Agricultural Marketing Service of the USDA maintains a list that consumers can review. The observance provides an opportunity to learn more about food labeling and to exercise their consumer choice.

HOW TO OBSERVE - #NationalNonGMOMonth

During Non-GMO Month, explore the food labels at the grocery store. Learn more about GMOs and their history. Share your experiences using #NationalNonGMOMonth. on social media.

NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH HISTORY

The Non-GMO Project launched National Non-GMO Month in 2010 to raise awareness about GMOs, food choice, and labeling information.