Label GMO's

"We have the right to know what is in our food."

What are GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?

Genetically Modified Organisms, called GMOs, are plants or animals with cells that scientists have altered genetically. They do this by inserting a gene from one organism into another similar organism—or between non-related species. The idea is to develop new plants or animals with specific desired traits and then grow them as food.

While GMO proponents say their goal is to increase nutritional benefits or productivity, the two main traits that have been added to date are herbicide tolerance and the ability of the plant to produce its own pesticide. These results have no health benefits, only economic benefits to the companies that produce them, at the cost of significant negative consequences.

Genetic modification produces results that otherwise would not appear in nature. Down to Earth is opposed to the development of products containing GMOs because we believe they may pose health, safety, and other potential risks that far outweigh the purported benefits.

Everyone has a right to know what is in their food and deserves access to non-GMO choices. One of the ways to avoid GMOs is to choose foods that have the USDA Organic seal, which certifies that GMO seeds were not used in production. Another option is to look for the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal issued by the Non-GMO Project.

For details check out the links below to a wide variety of related articles.

At Down to Earth we strive to sell products that are good for you and good for the environment!

We give priority to certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified products in our purchasing decisions. We:

Avoid purchasing any new food products with major ingredients that may contain GMOs
Do not sell single ingredient GMO foods (including papaya, corn, soy, canola, or sugar produced from GMO sugar beets)
Require that non-GMO claims be verified by an approved third party such as the Non-GMO Project. We actively encourage our suppliers to become Non-GMO Project Verified
Actively support organic and sustainable farming methods
Support customer’s “right-to- know,” including labeling of products that contain GMOs
Educate and communicate about the economic, social, health, and environmental impacts of GMOs

Learn more about GMOs, why you should be concerned, and what you can do about it by clicking the links below.

Non-GMO Project

Down to Earth, along with the natural products industry, strongly supports the Non-GMO Project. The Non-GMO Project provides manufacturers with the "Non-GMO Project Verified" seal pictured above, which is backed by independent testing. The “Non-GMO Project Verified” seal means that GMO contamination has been avoided throughout the growth and harvesting of crops, their processing, storage and packaging. As of January 2018, there were 48,554 Non-GMO Project Verified products from 3,000+ brands. Collectively, these products represent more than $26 billion in annual sales. As increasing numbers of manufacturers include the “Non-GMO Project Verified” seal on their packaging, you will see more and more of the verified products on our shelves. Consumers have the right to choose what foods to eat and feed their families. This Non-GMO logo enables consumers to exercise this right.

Avoiding GMO Foods | Down to Earth Organic and Natural

Food is undergoing constant change. Farmers have been saving seeds from plants that have desirable traits and using them for future crops. Crossbreeding different varieties of plants, like tomatoes, has led to sweeter and/or larger tomatoes. Change is a positive thing when it is proven to be safe and effective over time.

The technique of genetic engineering is much newer than traditional cross breeding methods and was introduced to our food supply in the mid-1990s. Genetically Modified Organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs, are organisms whose genetic material has been modified or altered through genetic engineering. These manipulations to DNA do not occur in nature or through traditional cross breeding methods, rather they are engineered in a lab. Typically GMOs are manipulated to be resistant to insects, disease or to tolerate herbicides.