• Irradiated Foods: Studies continue to show that irradiation may have harmful effects on health (ref 1). Irradiation is often used where more stringent butchering and food handling processes would be effective. All whole irradiated foods must be labeled except teas and herbs from China. Irradiated ingredients in processed foods do not have to be labeled. Therefore we cannot monitor processed foods. Customers are advised to look for organic ingredients.
• Products Containing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Studies have shown that genetically modified (GM) crops may be harmful to human health, detrimental to wildlife, threaten biodiversity, and produce resistant weeds (ref 2). As of 2004, the US accounts for nearly two-thirds of all GM crops planted globally. The three main GM crops under cultivation are varieties of corn, soybeans, and cotton (ref 2). The federal government opposes labeling, so it is not always possible to determine that a product is GMO free unless it is labeled as organic. HWFC is attempting to be as diligent as possible. Buyers give preference to organic products when available. The HWFC Nutrition and Education Committee also hosts letter-writing and other events to support anti-GMO legislation and to influence producers.
• Heat Processed Oils: Refining oil at high temperatures destroys nutrients. HWFC stocks cold-pressed oils and attempts to provide a wide variety and grade of bottled and bulk oils, particularly olive oil. Plans to expand the store include better equipment for storing and dispensing oil.
• White Refined Sugar: White sugar is a highly refined product devoid of nutrients. The HWFC bylaws stipulate that we will avoid selling products with refined white sugar whenever practical. In 2000, the Membership authorized the inclusion of minimally-refined sugars. Changes in food production and the substitute of sugar as a cheaper sweetener have made it increasingly difficult to monitor. There is also no consistent term for sugar used on package labels. Department managers attempt to stock products with a variety of sweeteners and unsweetened products to satisfy a variety of dietary needs. HWFC promotes alternative natural sweeteners in recipes in the Coop Scoop and in cooking classes.
• White Refined Flour: Refining flour removes important nutrients. Because of customer demand, buyers stock refined flour and products containing refined flour. However, HWFC continues to promote whole grains, whole grain flours, whole grain breads and pastas by providing those items for sale, conducting cooking classes based on those products and including them in our Deli.

Continue to Section 7: What We Don't Stock