The Growing Non-GMO Market

You most likely know about the Non-GMO Project and have seen its signature butterfly on the label. It’s become a symbol of how times and consumer demand are changing. Surveys have pointed out that 90 percent of Americans want to know what’s in their food, and sales of Non-GMO Project Verified products are reflecting that. In fact, sales of Non-GMO Project Verified products hit $7 billion in 2013—up from $5 billion in 2012 and $1.7 billion in 2011. And the number of Non-GMO Project Verified products keeps growing. In 2011, there were 4,000 Non-GMO Project Verified products for consumers to choose from. In 2013, there were 14,800; presently, there are more than 20,000 and climbing. “We currently have 2,200 participating brands, and are receiving an average of 70 to 80 new verification inquiries every week,” says Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non-GMO Project.

It’s simple to find Non-GMO Project Verified products, restaurants and participating retailers, too. Just go to www.nongmoproject.org to find out about those and much more. You’ll also see that October is Non-GMO Month, which was created by the Non-GMO Project in 2010 to raise awareness on the Non-GMO topic.

GMOs have been widespread in our food supply since the mid-1990s, but the push for GMO labeling and the awareness of GMOs and their potential effects on our health are increasing. Over the past few years, many countries have banned GMOs and their pesticides, but our nation isn’t one of them—yet. Russia is one of the latest countries to do so.

There’s growing evidence, too, that GMOs are not completely safe for consumption. In fact, more and more studies are pointing towards GMOs having adverse effects. Here are highlights from a few of them:

Research out of Canada published in the Journal of Reproductive Toxicology cites multiple toxins from GMOs, including Monsanto’s Bt-toxin, in maternal and fetal blood.

Likewise, a study published in the peer reviewed Public Library of Science (PLOS), pointed out that researchers say there is sufficient evidence that the DNA from genetically modified crops can be transferred into humans’ bloodstreams. In fact, one of the blood samples in the study noted that the relative concentration of plant DNA was higher than the human DNA. What’s more is that, while the scientists observed this disturbing outcome, they also noted that it occurred by an unknown mechanism.

Then there's the study released by the Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT), a leader in educating policy makers and the public about GMOs as well as GM foods and crops. They used data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, medical journal reviews and other independent research to point out that GMOs are linked to gluten disorders that affect 18 million Americans. The authors related GM food to five conditions that can either trigger or exacerbate gluten-related disorders, including the autoimmune disorder celiac disease. They cited intestinal permeability, imbalanced gut bacteria, immune activation and allergic responses, impaired digestion, and damage to the intestinal wall.

The truth is that people want to know what's in their food, and consumers are voting with their dollars—and they’re demanding more and more Non-GMO Project Verified products to choose from.

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.