About GMOs

Short for genetically modified organisms; also known as genetically engineered foods. To create a GMO, scientists inject a host organism (a plant with a foreign gene that will help resist pesticides, pests or freezing. Scientists also inject a virus or bacteria to encourage the foreign gene's invasion and an antibiotic marker gene to determine if the process worked. Because debate over the safety of GMOs continues, the FDA provides testing and regulation updates but the U.S. government doesn' require labeling of genetically modified foods. The only way to be sure you're not eating GMOS is by choosing products from certified organic producers who, compliant with USDA guidelines, do not use genetically modified seeds or ingredients. -Jessica Rubino

Misti's Fabulous Cookies

1/2 c. coconut oil
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. peanut butter
2 c. sucanat
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. sea salt
3 c. sprouted spelt flour
1/2 c. coconut flour
1/2 c. flax meal
1 c. chocolate chips
3/4 c. coconut
1 c. walnuts

Cream together butter, coconut oil, and peanut butter with sucanat. Add vanilla and eggs. Mix flours, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Blend with creamed mixture. Add chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Shape dough into balls. Place balls on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350º for 12-16 minutes, or until slightly brown on edges.

Enjoy!

Calcium/Magnesium with Vitamin D Recall Update

An update from Michael Leiah, Ph.D., Technical Director of NOW Foods

We recently recalled several lots of Calcium/Magnesium with Vitamin D Softgels (items 1251 & 1252) because of high levels of Vitamin D. The problem came to our attention when we received two adverse event reports from consumers who underwent a regular blood screening and were found to have high levels of Vitamin D. We immediately started investigating. Like most manufacturers, we outsource our softgels, because softgel manufacturing is a very specialized process. Our specifications to our manufacturer were checked and were correct. However, we found that the manufacturer made a mistake in the batch calculation. The day we confirmed the mistake we issued the recall. Corrective actions are now in place to prevent the possibility of a similar error. As of mid-June, a new batch of Cal/Mag with Vitamin D Softgels was released and is now available. It is easy to identify this batch as the phrase "Easily Absorbed" was added  to the upper left hand corner of the label. This new batch has been double and triple-checked to assure formulation accuracy.