January 8, 2013
US GMO opponents call for total disclosure of affected food products
Although some of these leading companies, such as General Mills, have recently taken minor steps toward being more upfront with consumers, the US, unlike some 60 other countries, lacks a legal requirement to do so, according to an AFP report.
Still, in the world's largest economy, where almost all soy, sugar beet, corn and rapeseed crops are genetically engineered, bills requiring labelling for GMO foods were introduced in 26 states last year.
Alaska adopted a law in 2005, requiring the labelling of genetically engineered salmon. The fish product is still being studied by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with concerns to safety for human consumption.
Elsewhere, measures have been overcame, notably in the state of Washington, where voters narrowly rejected GMO labelling. Other proposals are languishing in legislative committees. However, advocates of GMO labelling of food said that they will continue to gather more support.
The labelling of genetically engineered foods is an issue which came into light, at state level, during 2013 due to consumer pressure. A recent New York Times poll found that 93 % of Americans want GMO food to be labelled.
Agrochemical giants, such as DuPont, Monsanto, Syngenta, and BASF, joined by food behemoths including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Kraft Foods have invested a combined US$46 million for advertising and other means to convince voters to reject the proposal. The anti-GMO side had spent US$9 million.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), which represents leading food, beverage and consumer products companies, said the organisation has maintained "strong support for a federal solution" regarding standards for the safety and labelling of GMO foods and beverages.
Meanwhile upscale grocer, Whole Foods, which sells a large amount of organic produce, plans to label genetically engineered products, but only starting from 2018. Fast food chain, Chipotle Mexican Grill, has started listing genetically engineered ingredients on its website.
