| |
While
attending the Baltimore EXPO, it was evident that NON-GMOs
were the theme of the natural foods industry. NON-GMO
is short for NON-Genetically Modified
Organisms. Genetically modified organisms
have been spliced with DNA from another organism.
Commonly used GMOs include: soybeans spliced with DNA
from the marigold plant, corn spliced with DNA from
bacteria, and tomatoes spliced with DNA from flounder.
Genetic modification of crops was originally developed
to increase crop yield, lengthen shelf life, improve
nutritional value, and reduce pesticide use. However,
environmental and ethical concerns have had greater
impact than the above mentioned issues. Currently,
approximately 50% of soy crops are from genetically
modified seeds. In comparison, three years ago
soy crops were an estimated 3% genetically modified!
While most retailers and consumers are currently focused
on soy protein powders, many others are thinking further
ahead and are questioning soy lecithin, soy isoflavones,
soy oil, etc. Our newest product, NON-GMO Soy
Protein Powder (VL 968) is certified NON-GMO through
the Identity Preservation Program (IPP). Since
the equipment used to process soybeans into soy protein
powder is very expensive, most soy protein suppliers
have not been able to provide NON-GMO products.
In order to do so, they would have to purchase new equipment
and a separate facility. We purchase ours from
Protein Technologies International, makers of SUPRO®.
To our knowledge, they are the only source of
certified NON-GMO soy protein powder available at this
time. As the demand becomes greater, raw
material suppliers will be able to keep up with the
demand for NON-GMO products.
Keep
in mind that the term "GMO-free" is not technically
correct, since crops can become contaminated from neighboring
GMO crops. In addition, laboratory testing available
to quantitatively and qualitatively test for GMOs is
only for the sample that is submitted for testing.
Companies not following proper sampling procedures may
have tests that do not accurately reflect the entire
batch of incoming raw material.
In
response to increasing demand for more NON-GMO products,
Vitamer's position on this issue is to take an active
stance in providing and promoting NON-GMO products whenever
possible. Because this issue is relatively new
to the industry, there are few sources of NON-GMO products
available. As more sources of NON-GMO raw materials
become available, we will incorporate them into our
line.
|
|
