Baby Foods

Quick hints to avoid and understand baby foods that are genetically modified.

Most foods for infants are just what the lable says with few preservatives or additives except water. You can puree fresh fruits and veggies (except non-organic papaya, yellow squash, corn, or soy) daily for your baby, or try preparing a large batch and freezing it in small jars, bags, ice trays or containers to thaw and use later. This gives you the ease of portable, serving-sized jars, and lets you know exactly what's in it because you made it! If you can't puree fresh products on a daily basis, try these suggestions:

Conventionsl Baby Foods

• Some baby cereals can have GE ingredients even if the primary component is GE-free. For example, some rice cereals add soy lecithin as an emulsifier, which can be processed from GE soy. Look for cereals with one or a few ingredients, or make your own. Buy a new coffee grinder. Grind rice and other grains for simple, homemade baby cereals.
• Teething crackers and biscuits can contain GE corn syrup and soy lecithin.
• Food for older babies and toddlers, such as noodles and cheese, often contain processed ingredients derived from genetically engineered sources.
• These days even some non-organic brands such as Gerber have pledged to avoid GE ingredients in all of their baby foods. 

Organic Baby Food and Infant Formulas

Certified organic brands of baby foods are sure to be free of GE ingredients.

If you can't breastfeed, or need to supplement, buy certified organic infant formula or formulas labeled GE-free.

Infant Formula

Milk or soy protein is the baisi of most infant formulas. The secret ingredients in these products are often soy or milk from cows injected with rbGH. Many brands also add GE-derived corn syrup or corn syrup solids.