A Kinder Katie's Guide to GMO's and Pesticides

Why Purchase Non-GMO and Organic foods?

   The number one reason to avoid GMO, preservatives, artificial colors, dyes, sweeteners, and pesticides in food is your health. The long term effects of constant exposure to the above mentioned items are still unknown however they have been linked to infertility, behavioral issues such as hyperactivity and insomnia, immune system compromise, asthma, allergies, and antibiotic resistance. While that list is not all inclusive, it is troubling to say the least. It is most important to avoid these ingredients in children as they are more suspectible to the harmful side effects that they may cause.

GMO Crops/ Ingredients to Avoid: (An estimated 90% of all crops listed below are from GMO seeds. Unless specifically labeled as Non-GMO certified or Organic, assume ingredients below are GMO and avoid.

Soybeans

Corn

Canola/Rapeseed

Sugar Beets

Cotton

Dairy (Fed GMO Grains/ rBST growth hormones)

Sugar Beets

Papayas

Artificial Ingredients to avoid:

FD& C Colors	Sulfites	BHT	Hydrogentated Fats/Oils
Sucralose	Nitrites	Monosodium Glutamate	Bleached Flour
Aspartame	Nitrates	Calcium disodium EDTA	BVO
Acesulfame K	Sodium Benzoate	TBHQ	Olestra
Saccharin	BHA	High Fructose Corn Syrup	Parabens

   This is not an expansive list but rather the most commonly found ingredients listed on packaged goods. But remember, I am not an advocate of processed foods by any means as you may know by now. But if you are looking for healthier options, start by avoiding these ingredients and check out some of my recipes! You are sure to find whole, natural ingredients used in each one!

Pesticides may be applied in the form of wax post harvest in the following produce:

Apples	Lemons	Pineapples
Avocados	Limes	Pumpkins
Bell Peppers	Melons	Rutabagas
Cantaloupes	Oranges	Squashes
Cucumbers	Parsnips	Sweet Potatoes
Eggplants	Passion Fruits	Tomatoes
Grapefruits	Peaches	Turnips

   Most waxes are added to prevent spoiling of food during transportation. Although wax alone may not pose a health risk, it is often combined with pesticides or fungicides. Since it is unknown what combination of wax is present on your produce, and it is impossible to wash the wax off, it may be prudent to avoid the items listed above unless purchasing organic. When in doubt, feel your produce for that slimy wax coating and avoid if possible.


How to shop for produce using PLU label:

1.) A four digit number = conventional produce using pesticides
2.) A five digit number = Organic

Please note that PLU Labeling is optional so it may not be the best identifier.When in doubt, prioritize your budget and purchase 100% organic or in accordance to the chart listed below.

  Environmental Working Group's 2012 List of Pesticides in Produce

 *Listed from highest (1.) to least (49.) amount of pesticides in the Top 50 produce items

Highest				Least
1.)    Apple	11.) Blueberries (D)	21.) Carrots	31.) Cauliflower	41.) Eggplant
2.)    Celery	12.) Potatoes	22.) Raspberries	32.) Papaya( GMO)	42.) Mango
3.)    Sweet Bell Peppers	13.) Kale/Collard Greens	23.) Summer Squash	33.) Plums (D)	43.) Asparagus
4.)    Peaches	14.) Cherries	24.) Oranges	34.) Winter Squash	44.) Sweet Peas (Frozen)
5.)    Strawberries	15.) Hot Peppers	25.) Broccoli	35.) Mushrooms	45.) Cabbage
6.)    Nectarines (I)	16.) Pears	26.) Green Onions	36.) Watermelon	46.) Avocado
7.)    Grapes	17.) Nectarines (D)	27.) Bananas	37.) Grapefruit	47.) Pineapple
8.)    Spinach	18.) Green Beans	28.) Honeydew Melon	38.) Sweet Potatoes	48.) Sweet Corn (GMO)
9.)    Lettuce	19.) Plums (I)	29.) Tomatoes	39.) Canteloupe (D)	49.) Onions
10.)  Cucumbers	20.) Blueberries (I)	30.) Canteloupe (I)	40.) Kiwi
(I) = Imported	(D) = Domestic