How to Avoid Genetically Engineered Sugar

Non-GM/GE Sugar (above)

Unlabeled and untested GE (Genetically Engineered) sugar, derived from Monsanto's GE sugar beets, is now laced into hundreds of (non-organic) brand-name products. (By the way, Monsanto spent over $2 million lobbying in Washington, DC during the 1st quarter of 2009.)

Genetically modified sugar beets, engineered by the Monsanto Corporation to be resistant to its herbicide Roundup, were first harvested in fall 2008. By now, sugar from those beets has entered the food stream. Critics of genetic engineering have raised concerns that the modified beets could produce food allergies, threaten wildlife and spread herbicide resistance or other modified traits to closely related species, including chard and table beets.

My understanding is that sugar cane is also being researched for genetic modification.

Now, more than 73 food producers and retailers have subscribed to the following statements:
1. Our company does not support the introduction of Genetically Modified (GM) Sugar from GM sugar beets.
2. We will seek wherever possible to avoid using GM beet sugar in our products.
3. We ask the Sugar Beet industry to not introduce GM beet sugar into our food supply.

Click to see the Non-GM Beet Sugar Registry. Are the manufacturers of products your family eats on the list, and safe from genetically modified ingredients?