Almost all of the UK’s leading food manufacturers have removed or are removing genetically modified ingredients from their food products, according to a new survey.
A Friends of the Earth study of the UK’s top 30 food manufacturers (by sales) found that 24 had GM-free policies or were going GM free. Of the others, two – Diageo and Allied Domecq – were reviewing the situation and four had statements on the issue pending.
Adrian Bebb, food campaigner at FoE, claimed the rush to abandon GM foods was ‘one of the most astonishing turnarounds ever as a result of consumer demand’.
Companies have adopted a variety of approaches to ensure they can source GM-free food ingredients. Sainsburys has formed a European consortium to guarantee GM-free ingredients and derivatives, and Domino Pizza has established a programme of 30 independent tests and spot check visits to suppliers to ensure GM free supplies.
Diageo, which owns Burger King and Pilsbury, told FoE it will be removing GM ingredients from its products and is reviewing its policy on ‘derivatives’ such as oil and lecithin. Kelloggs, Walker Snacks and Sun Valley Foods have removed GM ingredients and will shortly be making statements on GM derivatives. MD Foods will be clarifying its position ‘shortly’.
An FoE survey in March revealed that most major restaurant chains were going GM free, and Twyfords seed company has also decided to abandon testing of GM crops. A recent MORI poll showed only one per cent of consumers felt GM technology offered real benefits.
The UK government has set up two new advisory bodies on GMOs; one to assess the impact of GM products on health and the other to examine the potential damage to agriculture and the environment.
The announcement came as the British Medical Association called for a moratorium on commercial growing of GM crops until a scientific consensus has emerged. The European Commission decided on 20 May to halt approval procedures for genetically modified maize amid new fears about its effect on certain butterflies.