Supermarkets raise resistance to GMproduce
Supermarkets raise resistance to GMproduce
By Vicky Houchin
WHILE government-backed GM farm trials continue, supermarkets are busy removing any trace of GM ingredients, saying they will stay off the shelf until consumer attitudes change.
When "Frankenstein Foods" hit the headlines customer-care lines jammed and many retailers set up GM hotlines to cope with the queries. Six months on you will be lucky to find an own-label product containing a genetically modified ingredient in store.
Clear statement
Sainsburys eliminated GM ingredients from all own brands in July after an announcement in March. "We wanted to make a clear statement," says group chief executive, Dino Adriano.
But for some, removing just the ingredients is not enough. M&S has gone one stage further, removing GM from animal feed. The company committed itself to non-GM livestock feed in August and has already launched a range of primary food products from livestock fed non-GM diets. Customers asked for choice, says an M&S spokesman. But it is unclear whether they will pay for up to 8% of additional costs, he notes.
Budgens is to review its policy on GM animal feed in the new year, while Sainsburys wants the whole industry to look at the issue before acting.
But even when the ban on commercial plantings of GMs in the UK is over consumer resistance to GM crops will persist, supermarkets believe.
It will be up to consumers when or if GM ingredients are brought back to the companys shelves, says Jonathon Bayne, technical manager for Budgens.
M&S says the government has a responsibility to educate the public. But even when the ban is lifted it will always listen to consumers before changing policy.
Sainsburys also maintains that it will be down to customers. "And at the moment they do not want GM foods," says a company spokeswoman. But demand can change quickly. "When we launched the tomato purée that was popular for a short time, so anything can happen." *
WHERE MULTIPLES STAND ON GM FOODS
GM soya and maize offer no tangible benefits. Spent over 18 months eliminating GM from own brand products. 650 now GM ingredient and derivative free. List for customers of Safeway brand products containing DNA/protein from GMOs and/or their derivatives which are not required to be labelled by law.
Working towards total eradication of GM ingredients in all own label products by year end. No plans for ban on GM in livestock feed.
Announced plan to eliminate GM ingredients from its own brand products in March, completed in July. Started to identify, reformulate and label products containing GM soya protein three years ago. Established international consortium of food retailers and industry experts to find verified sources of non-GM crops and products.
Removed all soya and maize ingredients from own label products in July. Plans to eliminate all GM soya and maize additives by year end.
Almost all own-brand products GM free in July, final 21 products joined in October. First supermarket to completely ban GM ingredients and derivatives – all food is sold under St. Michael own-brand label.
Labelled all own-brands containing GM ingredients since September 1998. Now removing all traces of GM to zero tolerance. Completion date unclear. Considering GM-free livestock feed.
Own label products GM free since March. No GM soya or maize used in production of oils and additives in own label products since September. Some Waitrose livestock producers already using non-GM soya in feed as part of long term project. All own label pet food GM free.