M&S latest to ban GM foods

16 March 1999

M&S latest to ban GM foods

By FWi staff

MARKS & Spencer has become the latest major retailer to ban genetically modified (GM) ingredients from its own-brand food products.

A statement from the company said the decision was made after careful consideration of customers views on GM food:

“Although we believe that there is a place for genetic modification, customers are concerned about the speed at which these developments are being pushed through.”

The frozen-food retailer Iceland, the first chain to ban GM ingredients from its own-brand products, was last week joined by Asda, which announced a similar ban.

But as all Marks & Spencer food is sold under the St. Michael own-brand label, the company is the first major retailer to completely ban GM ingredients.

“Customers can purchase any product on the shelves with full confidence that no GM ingredients or their derivatives have been used,” said the companys statement.