Genetically Modified Food

Garden of Life earns Non-GMO Project verification for probiotics line

17-Apr-2017

The company’s entire line of “Dr. Formulated” probiotics has earned Non-GMO Project Verification. The line is reportedly the fastest-growing probiotics line in the natural channel.

Vox Pop: Consumers had this to say about GMO labeling...

10-Aug-2016 By Adi Menayang & Mary Ellen Shoup

On the heels of President Barack Obama signing into law a federal bill requiring the disclosure of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on packaged food and beverage products, we at Beverage Daily and FoodNavigator-USA asked consumers at a downtown Chicago...

New NGS DNA testing methods will replace PCR, predicts Clear Labs

Are ‘GMO-free’ (as opposed to ‘non-GMO’) claims legally defensible?

03-Aug-2016 By Elaine Watson

As the Non-GMO Project states on its website, ‘GMO-free’ claims are “not legally or scientifically defensible due to limitations of testing methodology" coupled with cross-contamination risks. In future, however, that could change as testing methods...

Federal GMO labeling bill hailed as 'true compromise,' but critics say it's woefully inadequate

23-Jun-2016 By Elaine Watson

Attempts to reach a federal GMO labeling solution have failed miserably to date. However, a bipartisan deal requiring mandatory GMO labeling (via smartlabels, symbols or as yet undetermined wording) thrashed out in the Senate on Thursday looks like it...

Too close to call: How do consumers really feel about GMOs?

08-Jun-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

The controversy surrounding genetic engineering may feel deafening at times with each side prolifically and loudly debating its pros and cons, but the vast majority of consumers remain unfamiliar GMOs and unclear if they pose a risk, according to a recent...

California judge tosses Chipotle GMO labeling lawsuit

What does non-GMO mean? It depends on the consumer, says judge in Chipotle lawsuit

29-Feb-2016 By Elaine Watson

A California federal court has dismissed a high-profile lawsuit alleging Chipotle falsely advertised its food as non-GMO. And while it has given the plaintiff leave to amend her suit, it has made it clear she will have to come up with a stronger argument...

Can “green” claims turn the GMO debate around in 2016, analysts ask

18-Jan-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

Growing consumer concern about food waste and the environmental impact of food production could be a “conversation starter” for food manufacturers to shift consumers’ focus on genetically modified organisms away from the perceived negative impact to the...

live from EFSA's 2nd scientific conference

‘Starving Africa’ cliché used to push GM: Harvard Professor

16-Oct-2015 By Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn at the Milan Expo

An over-simplistic image of impoverished, malnutritioned Africa is being used to push the case for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a senior Harvard professor has warned.

Pompeo bill would ‘create a competing Non-GMO label with drastically lower standards’, says Non-GMO Project

09-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

While supporters of Rep. Mike Pompeo’s Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act (HR1599) welcome its proposal to create a national standard for non-GMO claims, the Non-GMO Project says this would confuse shoppers by creating a competing label underpinned by...

Florida judge approves $3.99m deal in Kashi GMO false advertising lawsuit

08-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

 A federal judge in Florida has approved a $3.99m deal to resolve a proposed class action accusing Kashi of misleading shoppers by labeling products made with GMOs as ‘all-natural’.

Chipotle: People who eat GM foods are not themselves genetically modified. The same applies to cows fed GM feed…

Chipotle vows to fight ‘meritless’ GMO lawsuit, but case highlights legal minefield over Non-GMO claims

01-Sep-2015 By Elaine Watson

Chipotle says it will vigorously defend a “meritless and unfair” lawsuit accusing it of falsely advertising its wares as non-GMO. But attorneys say the case shows that firms are vulnerable to civil litigation over non-GMO claims if genetic engineering...

87% of consumers globally think non-GMO is ‘healthier’. But where’s the evidence?

13-Aug-2015 By Elaine Watson

A large consumer study* from market researcher Health Focus International spanning 16 major consumer markets includes this pretty jaw-dropping statistic: 87% of consumers globally think non-GMO foods are ‘somewhat’, or ‘a lot’ healthier.

GMA: 'HR 1599 protects the consumer from a costly and confusing 50 state patchwork of labeling laws'

House passes Pompeo bill that would prevent state-mandated GMO labeling

23-Jul-2015 By Elaine Watson

The US House of Representatives has passed the industry-backed voluntary GMO labeling bill - The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act 2015 - by 275 votes to 150, and rejected all four amendments it was asked to consider.

Organic and non-gmo trends

Congress should strengthen FDA’s oversight of GMOs, CSPI leader says

23-Apr-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Congress needs to strengthen FDA’s oversight of genetically modified organisms before foreign countries, with potentially lower safety standards, begin genetically engineering crops used in finished products that are imported to the U.S., argues an executive...

Aker verifies krill oil ingredient as non-GMO

02-Apr-2015 By Hank Schultz

Aker BioMarine Antarctic US, the world’s foremost harvester of krill and a leading supplier of krill oil, has announced that its Superba krill oil ingredient has achieved Non-GMO Project Verified status.

Expert foresees savvy supplement companies offering both GMO-free and 'made with GM technology' brands

27-Jan-2015 By Hank Schultz

Opponents of the labeling of genetically modified ingredients have spent millions to defeat the various state ballot measures on the issue. At least as far as dietary supplements are concerned, that money was spent out of a misguided fear, said one influential...

Colorado says NO to GMO labeling; Oregon heads to nail-biting finish

05-Nov-2014 By Elaine Watson

UPDATED - Initial returns indicate that voters in Colorado have given a firm thumbs down to GMO labeling initiative Proposition 105, while the vote in Oregon on Measure 92 headed to a nail-biting finish - but ended with voters saying NO.

The cost of GMO labeling? Less than a penny a day, says Consumers Union analysis

03-Oct-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

The cost to consumers of requiring labeling of genetically modified food is $2.30 per person annually, or less than a penny a day, says new analysis commissioned by Consumers Union, the policy arm of Consumer Reports.

Abbott rejects shareholder call for GMO labeling on its products

01-May-2014 By Stephen DANIELLS

An Abbott Laboratories shareholder proposal to label genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in its Similac infant formula range received about 5% of the vote, and has been rejected by the company.

Vermont GMO labeling bill heads to governor's desk. But can it withstand a First Amendment challenge?

23-Apr-2014 By Elaine WATSON

A bill requiring foods produced with genetic engineering be labeled in Vermont has passed the house and the senate, and now just needs Governor Peter Shumlin’s signature to be signed into law. However, legal experts say a First Amendment challenge could...

Ex-FDA official praises GMA call for federal GMO labeling rules, but says asking it to define ‘natural’ is a long shot

14-Jan-2014 By Elaine WATSON

It might have enraged those in favor of mandatory GMO labeling, but a leaked document outlining the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s (GMA’s) ideas for a federally regulated 'voluntary' approach to this issue has been praised by one ex-FDA...

FDA 'respectfully declines' judges' plea for it to determine if GMOs belong in all-natural products

08-Jan-2014 By Elaine WATSON

The FDA has written to three federal judges handling civil cases vs food manufacturers over natural claims to “respectfully decline” their request to come to an administrative determination of whether GMOs belong in ‘all-natural’ foods.

David-and-Goliath battle over GMO labeling heats up in Washington State

06-Sep-2013 By Maggie Hennessy

The Evergreen state is poised for a big-spending battle over whether foods containing ingredients from GE crops must carry a special label.

NPA backs GMO labeling bill, AHPA proposes 'voluntary disclosure of absence' approach

19-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Two leading trade associations representing the natural products and dietary supplements sectors have clarified their stance on GMO labeling this week, with the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) favoring voluntary disclosure of the absence of...

Big interview, Gregory Jaffe, Director of Biotechnology, CSPI

CSPI: There are legitimate concerns about GMOs, but not around food safety, and labeling would be misleading

03-Jul-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has made a name for itself by tackling the food industry’s big guns on everything from artery-furring entrees to misleading label claims. But where does it stand on genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Maine House backs GMO labeling bill

12-Jun-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The campaign for mandatory GMO labeling gained a further boost this week as the Maine House of Representatives voted 141-4 in favor of LD 718, a bill that would require foods made with ingredients from biotech crops to carry the label ‘Produced with Genetic...

The path to Washington passes through the states, GMO labeling advocate says

29-May-2013 By Hank Schultz

The proliferation of proposed state GMO labeling laws is a means to an end, according to one longtime advocate.  The ultimate goal is a federal law that would require GMO labeling across the US.

Big interview: Cathy Enright, EVP, food & agriculture, Biotechnology Industry Organization

Biotechnology Industry Organization: It’s not too late to change the conversation on GMOs

20-May-2013 By Elaine WATSON

When it comes to winning hearts and minds about the merits of genetically engineered ingredients (and whether to alert consumers to their presence on food labels), it’s fair to say that the biotech industry has not done a great job.

Vermont House of Representatives gives green light to GMO labeling bill

10-May-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The Vermont House of Representatives has passed H.112, a bill requiring the labeling of all genetically engineered (GE) food sold in Vermont. However, there are plenty of hurdles ahead.

Abbott Laboratories shareholders reject proposal to remove GMOs from infant formula

30-Apr-2013 By Mark ASTLEY

An Abbott Laboratories shareholder proposal to remove genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) from its natural products - including its Similac infant formula range - has been rejected, the company has revealed.

Boxer, DeFazio introduce federal GMO labeling bill

25-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

A bill requiring the labeling of GMO ingredients has been introduced at the federal level by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-CA and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR.  Even though the bill’s chances of passage are uncertain, observers see it as a watershed moment.

NPA calls for national GMO labeling standard as state-level initiatives proliferate

19-Mar-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The Natural Products Association (NPA) has called for all foods containing GMOs to be “accurately labeled under a national uniform standard so consumers can make educated decisions about foods they purchase”.

Oregon lawmaker plans to introduce federal GMO labeling bill

21-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR is working on a bill that would make the labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms a matter of federal law, a spokesperson confirmed yesterday. If passed, the bill, which is still in its early formative stages...

Lobbying by agri-business killed New Mexico GMO labeling Bill, claim supporters

05-Feb-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Supporters of a New Mexico Senate bill proposing mandatory labeling for genetically engineered food and feed say they are disappointed it died on the Senate floor last week, but remain confident that other states’ GMO labeling initiatives will succeed.

Corn bran ingredient maker goes outside US to find non GMO stocks

14-Dec-2012 By Hank Schultz

Z-Trim Holdings, maker of the functional food ingredient Z-Trim sourced from corn bran, has added a non GMO version to its product line.

California voters say 'No' to GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37

07-Nov-2012 By Elaine WATSON

GMO labeling initiative Proposition 37 has failed at the ballot box in California.

Will the ‘processed food’ definition in Prop 37 really kill off ‘natural’ claims on pack?

26-Oct-2012 By Elaine WATSON

The dispute over whether Californian GMO labeling initiative Prop 37 will prevent manufacturers from using the term ‘natural’ on foods that contain no GMOs at all continues to rage, with Yes and No campaigns offering diametrically opposed interpretations...

Frito-Lay hit with lawsuit on all-natural claims

20-Dec-2011 By Oliver Nieburg

PepsiCo’s snacks business Frito-Lay has been accused of misleading consumers by making all-natural claims on its products which also contain genetically modified corn and vegetable oils.

Top UK scientist advocates GM future

29-Nov-2007 By Jess Halliday

Debate has been stirred in the UK over a future that could see GM
foods on supermarket shelves, as the government's outgoing chief
scientific advisor said he believes GM food to be safer than
convention food.

Weekly Comment

Rise and shine: the GM wake-up call

19-Mar-2007

News that a variety of GM corn produced signs of liver and kidney
toxicity in rats should be a wake-up call for better testing and
more transparency from biotechs, if GMOs are to be accepted by
increasingly sceptical consumers.

Comment

Who is afraid of GMO's?

07-Jun-2005

It is a perversion of the 21st century that while affluent
societies continue the quest to slice the fat from their
increasingly obese populations, five million children die from
hunger each year, and more than 850m people go chronically...

Chewing the GM cud

07-Nov-2003

If nothing else, the opening decade of the 21st century will go
down in the annals of time as the period the world went to war over
GMOs. When it comes to genetically modified organisms, passions run
deep and the path to reconciling...

GM Nation? No thanks

26-Sep-2003

Parties interested in forging ahead with GM foodstuffs in the UK
have a battle on their hands as the widest public debate ever held
in Britain finds an overwhelming percentage of people uneasy,
suspicious or hostile to the introduction...

Europe embraces tough new GM rules

03-Jul-2003

Europe's bureaucrats have cleared strict new rules on GM foods in
Europe, paving the way for an end to the European-wide ban on GM
foods.

GM labelling bill defeated in Canada

24-Oct-2001

A bill that would have mandated labelling of all foods in Canada
containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) was defeated in
the Canadian House of Commons.

Live debate on EU and US GM food issues

15-Oct-2001

The US-based Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology announced
this week that it is to host a debate on issues facing Europe and
the US over genetically modified food.

Biotech foods safe, EU report declares

11-Oct-2001

Fears over genetically modified foods may prevail in the minds of
the European consumer but recent research from the European
Commission suggests that they are as safe as their non-gmo
neighbours, and even safer.

European consumers opt for non-GMO oils

08-Oct-2001

Lower crude soyoil prices are not tempting west European consumers,
who continue to prefer other soft oils that do not contain
genetically modified organisms (GMOs), dealers said on Friday.

Novartis confirms GMO soy presence in baby food

05-Oct-2001

Swiss healthcare group Novartis AG confirmed on Thursday
allegations from environmental group Greenpeace that some samples
of baby food it sold in the Philippines contained genetically
modified soy.

GMO labelling urged for the Philippines

04-Oct-2001

Environmental group Greenpeace urged the Philippines on Wednesday
to impose mandatory labelling on food products containing
genetically modified organisms.