What choices do consumers have about genetically modified foods?

Answer 1

If a consumer wants to avoid eating GMO foods, their choices are slim. A few years ago 70% of the processed foods contained GMOs, and it is highly likely that the percentage is higher now. Processed foods include almost all food that is not around the parameter of a grocery store, and many foods that are in the parameter, such as butter, cottage cheese, bread, deli and bakery products, deli meats, etc. Meats are often factory farmed and many have been given hormones to enhance their growth, milk production, etc. Plus it is likely that they were fed GMO feed. Even organically grown corn, soy, papaya, and canola may have been cross pollinated by GMO varieties during growth, and those labeled "Non-GMO Project" may contain small amounts of GMOs.

So, the choices for consumers who want to eat GMO-free are to grow your own (though corn, soy, etc. can be cross pollinated by GMO varieties grown by a neighboring farmer), buy from local farmers who grow organically, or buy fresh fruits (not papayas or any others that have been genetically modified) and vegetables (not sweet corn or others that have been genetically modified), meat that is "grass fed" and has not been given GMO feed, alternatives to cow's milk and soy milk, like coconut milk, almond milk, etc., and to read labels on other foods. In order for reading labels to be effective, you have to educate yourself, not only about what GMO foods are being grown commercially, but what products (such as high fructose corn syrup - HFCS - are made from GMO crops).