Published on April 21st, 2016 | by Editor

Decision to List Ingredients Derived from Denetically Modified Organisms Delayed

There might have been an official delay regarding the decision to list ingredients that are derived from genetically modified organisms. However, major food companies are in no mood to delay it. In late March, 2016, The Kellogg Company, ConAgra Foods, Incorporated and Mars announced that their products packaging will label GMOs all over the US.

Campbell Soup can be rewarded as the first food company to make the promise of labeling GMOs earlier this year. It further requested the federal government for a national enactment of the same. However, in mid-March the bill could not get the majority votes to be turned into law. The senate resumes in April and it is only then that a further decision can be discussed and made on the issue.

Jeff Harmening, the executive VP of General Mills also announced on 18^th March that it would be mentioning GMO ingredients on the packaging henceforth. He also expressed disappointment over the delay in the resolution of this issue in the senate. The company voiced no opinion over a deliberation of a compulsory labeling of GMOs but it did express the urgency that a consensus needs to be reached.

ConAgra too supported a speedy decision by the federal government. It further stated that labeling laws on state level added to the food company woes. Not only did it cost more but was also more hassle to conform to each state’s laws and a federal decision shall help resolve it all. A uniform law all over the country will help the food industry manifolds.

Paul Norman, the president of The Kellogg Company, North America added to the above by initially reinforcing the need for standardized laws nationwide regarding the GMO labeling. He further showed hope in the resolution of the issue. Moreover, he issues the notice that they will begin labeling GMO ingredients on some products as per Vermont’s laws but the labeling will be done for those products nationwide, as managing a different label for Vermont seemed difficult and expensive.

The Kellogg Company has launched a website for the convenience of its consumers where they have the liberty to ask about various Kellogg food products and whether they contain any GMO ingredient or not. Likewise, General Mills also launched a similar website following their announcement regarding the GMO labels.

The law passed by Vermonth regarding GMO labeling must not be taken lightly. Considering almost all major food companies have shown their support for a national law for GMO labeling, Vermont’s efforts in this regard are pretty influential to say the least.

Mars released its statement regarding GMOs which stated Vermont’s law that required all foods to be GMO labeled starting July 2016. Furthermore, it stated the nationwide distribution of food boxes that included GMO ingredients.

ConAgra’s statement was shorter and more straight-forwards, clearly mentioning that all its food items will come with GMO labeling as per Vermont’s Food Laws.

The problem that most food companies might face is that the labeling requirements issued by Vermont may not be applicable in other states and cause legal action if a consensus is not reached. Other states might find these labels incorrect and/or come up with a different labeling standard. The CFSAF has stressed on the point that the cost of any discrepancy or legal issues will have to be borne by the company, its farmers and its consumers. It further showed remorse over how 600,000 people are making the decision for 300 million regarding GMO labeling.

Overall, all companies are unanimous in strongly supporting and defending the health safety of their products, even those that contain GMO ingredients. Mars was especially active in this regard by mentioning that various extensive studies and researches by a number of regulatory authorities, top scientists and other food experts have marked genetically produced food safe for consumption by humans.