Did you know that there is a quick and easy way to tell whether the fruits or vegetables you buy are genetically modified?

I didn't. In fact, I've thought for a long time that the government should require GM food to be clearly labeled as such. One of the folks I follow on Twitter tweeted yesterday that there actually IS as way to tell, quickly and easily, and provided a link to all the details. A big thank you to "jandreadis" for the tip, an for the full scoop, see www.plantea.com/genetically-modified-food.html )

According to this article, by Marion Owen, the key is in those lovely little sticky labels they so irritatingly attach to produce in the store. All those little numbers actually mean something, and part of the code they include will let you know whether the produce is organic, conventionally grown, or genetically modified!

Here's the code:

• Conventionally grown produce has a PLU code of four digits
• Organically grown produce has a five-digit code, and it always starts with a "9"
• Genetically modified produce also has a five-digit code, but it starts with an "8"

(So if you care enough about being "green" to be reading this post, be sure not to mix up your 8's and 9's!)

Think you've got it?

Let's try a little test (oh, the former teacher in me just keeps coming out now and again!) Decide whether each fruit or vegetable is organic, conventional, or genetically modified based on it's PLU code!

Of course, I can also be sure of getting high-quality, organic produce by picking it directly from my lush, green organic garden in Bosque Farms, New Mexico!

Interested in finding a home with an organic garden for yourself? Contact me any time for info about available homes throughout the Greater Albuquerque area!

(This information was initially published in the June 26, 2002 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer.)