January 8, 2013
US GMO opponents call fortotal disclosure of affected food products
Thecurrent GMO debate in the US have recently seen opponentsdemanding major companies tofully disclose genetically modified organisms in food products.
Although someof these leading companies,such as General Mills, have recently takenminor 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.
However,Maine and Connecticut have yet to implement such measures despite official approvals.
Alaska adopted a law in 2005, requiring the labelling of genetically engineered salmon.The fish productis still being studied by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with concerns tosafety 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 foodsaid that they will continuetogather more support.
The labelling of genetically engineered foods is an issuewhichcame into light,at state level, during 2013due 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 Foodshaveinvested a combined US$46 million for advertising and other means to convince voters to reject the proposal. The anti-GMO side hadspent 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.
The GMA said that it agrees with the FDA and other agencies, such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development,about the safety of GMOfoods and beverages. It also statedthat labelling would be costly for small farmers, as well as the agencies verifying them.
Meanwhile upscale grocer, Whole Foods, which sells a large amount of organic produce, plans to label genetically engineered products, but only starting from2018. Fast food chain, Chipotle Mexican Grill, has started listing genetically engineered ingredients on its website.