Keeping Score: The Non-GMO “Nice” List

Santa has a ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ list, and BioStar does too. Not only do we use organic and non-GMO certified ingredients, we are also avid supporters of non-GMO and organic activism. We keep track of what companies are doing what, worldwide. 

By law, certified organic products cannot contain GMOs.  So far, buying 100% Organic, Certified Organic, and USDA Organic-labeled products is the easiest way to identify and avoid genetically modified ingredients.  The United States and Canadian governments do NOT allow companies to label products “100% / Certified Organic” if they contain genetically modified foods. Obtaining these certifications is a very difficult process, however, and not all products that are truly organic necessarily end up with that label on them.  So, another thing to look out for is whether or not the product is GMO-free.

GMO foods are created in order to withstand the poisons in herbicides, like Roundup, the most common herbicide with glyphosate.  Research and studies have shown glyphosate to be harmful to humans, animals, and plants.  Some have shown glyphosate to be linked to cancer.  An added benefit of growing organic and non-GMO is that the practices of organic farming are better for the world as a whole, from the very soil, to the farmers themselves, and to our beloved animal companions, not to mention wildlife.

Because so many multinational corporations and agriculture giants not in support of organic farming practices due to the pursuit of the almighty dollar, we have felt that this is an uphill climb.  And it is. There is a long long way to go.

This map shows in red how many areas of the world do not have any non-GMO platform in effect.  Yellow are areas where GMOs are restricted.  Green areas are complete bans (2012).  This is to say nothing of actual labeling of GMOs, which is not a requirement in the US (yet).

However, there is news surfacing, little by little, to show that it is indeed possible to see a world where non-GMO and organic products are the norm. In fact, with 93% of US consumers wanting GMOs labeled, it seems to be a popular understanding that GMOs may not be all they’re cracked up to be.

Monsanto, the company responsible for Roundup is currently under fire from many directions.  This is heartwarming news!

Below is a list of recent bans of glyphosate and/or commitments to Organics.  (Feel free to share further information you might come across in the comments below.)

Recently:

• Russia has completely banned the use of genetically modified ingredients in any and all food production. (May, 2016)
• Venezuela‘s Government has approved an anti-GMO seed law which regulates the production of hybrid seeds in Venezuela and prevents the research, production, importation and distribution of GMO seeds. (December, 2015)
• Germany has moved to ban GM crops, making use of the EU “opt-out” rules to stop cultivation of genetically modified crops, even if they have been approved by the EU. (August 25, 2015)
• Scotland has announced on August 9, 2015 that GM crops will not be allowed, and will shortly submit a request that Scotland be excluded from any European consents for the cultivation of GM crops
• Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena announced on May 22 that the import of the world’s most used herbicide, glyphosate, will be banned effective immediately. The release of already imported stocks has also been stopped.
• The Netherlands will prohibit the sale of glyphosate-based herbicides.  From the end of 2015 onward, such herbicides, including Roundup, will be prohibited over health concerns.  It is reported that France and Britain are likely to follow suit.
• Germany-based home improvement retail giant Toom Baumarkt DIY is removing any product that contains glyphosate from its 350 stores as of September 30, 2015.  They have already been taking GMO products off their shelves, and currently, no such products can be re-ordered from their stores.
• USA
  – Chipotle Restaurant has begun to use only non-GMO ingredients in its food as of April, 2015.  Disclaimers abound, due to the difficulties in finding sources, including organic meat and sweeteners.  However, it is still a major move forward in the company’s dedication to please customers wanting non-GMO ingredients.
  – Whole Foods stores will label any products containing such ingredients by 2018.
  – Walmart is expanding its selection of certified organic foods, which are free of genetic alteration by law, through a new house-brand called Wild Oats.

For a comprehensive list of certified Organic companies, see the USDA website, and for non-GMO products and companies, see the Non-GMO Project website.