HELPFUL DEFINITIONS
Genetically modified organisms are commonly referred to as GMOs. Unlike natural reproduction and plant breeding/hybridization, which occurs between closely related life forms, genetic modification inserts artificial gene units to reprogram the DNA of a plant or organism. The artificial gene units are created by joining fragments of DNA, usually derived from multiple organisms including viruses, bacteria, plants, and animals. (http://www.nongmoproject.org/)
Fair Trade Certified means that the farmers producing the goods were justly compensated. The far-reaching goals of fair-trade standards are the empowerment, economic and social development, and environmental stewardship of farmers and farm workers around the world. Currently, Fair Trade Certification most directly applies to internationally traded commodities such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugar. (http://fairtradeusa.org/certification)
The Domestic Fair-Trade Association draws on both the international fair-trade movement and the organic movement. They bring together advocates for labor rights, farmland preservation, family-scale farming, and indigenous people’s rights to advance equitable, diverse, and sustainable agriculture in North America. (www.thedfta.org)
Good Agricultural and Good Handling Practices is a WSDA auditing service that verifies best practices are being followed. (https://agr.wa.gov/services/inspections-and-investigations/inspections/fruit-and-vegetable/gap-ghp)
Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oil is made by forcing hydrogen gas into oil at high pressure. When hydrogenated, an oil’s chemical structure changes, which scientists in the 1990s began to realize could result in negative health effects. Both animal and vegetable fats can be hydrogenated. In general, the more solid the oil, the more hydrogenated it is. Two common examples of hydrogenated oil are Crisco and margarine.
MSG is a flavor-enhancing amino acid used in processed, packaged, and fast foods. MSG can be found in autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, hydrolyzed protein, and sodium caseinate.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
Organic products are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals used to produce organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones. The USDA requires organic farmers and food handlers meet a uniform organic standard, and certification is mandatory for operations with organic sales over $5,000. “Certified Organic” means that the agricultural product has been grown and processed according to USDA’s national organic standards and certified by USDA-accredited private or state certification organizations. (https://agr.wa.gov/departments/organic/new-applicant-info)
Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST)
rBST is used to increase milk production in cows. Developed by Monsanto and marketed as “Posilac,” it is produced by genetically engineering E. coli. The bacteria are then separated from the rBST, which is purified to produce the injectable hormone. Posilac is banned in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and the European Union.
G.A.P. uses independent, third-party certifiers to audit their comprehensive standards and assign the appropriate animal welfare rating. (https://globalanimalpartnership.org)