On the heels of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s preliminary approval of genetically modified salmon, nearly 600 retailers say they will take part in a new anti-GMO campaign.
The inaugural “National Non-GMO Month,” sponsored by the Non-GMO Project of Upland, Calif., will be held in October, which happens to coincide with National Seafood Month. Meanwhile, Alaska Senator Mark Begich (D-Alaska) this week called GM salmon “Frankenfish” and the FDA’s potential approval of AquaBounty Technologies’ GM salmon “risky and a threat to the survival of wild species.’
Around 580 natural and independent food stores, including Whole Foods Market, will draw consumers’ attention to the non-GMO products that they carry, as well as educate them about the GMO issue. According to the Non-GMO Project, studies show a correlation between the consumption of GMOs and health risks.
“We’re committed to offering non-GMO food and products and to educating consumers so they can make informed choices,” said Michael Besancon, senior global VP of purchasing for Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market.
“We have a responsibility to consumers to ensure the integrity of our food system. Among shoppers who value safe, healthy food, there is a strong desire to avoid GMOs,” added Corinne Shindelar, CEO of the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association.
In fact, Nielson reported earlier this year that “GMO-Free” is now the fastest growing store brand label claim.
The participating retailers will feature some of the nearly 900 products that now carry the “Non-GMO Project Verified Seal.” Manufacturers earn the seal, developed by the Non-GMO Project, by complying with ingredient testing and other GMO avoidance standards. Thousands of additional products are in the process of obtaining the seal, according to the Non-GMO Project.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) estimates that GMOs are currently in about 80 percent of conventional processed food sold in the United States, reported the Non-GMO Project.
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