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Whole Foods Breaks Promise to Label GMOs by 2018




Whole Foods drops promised GMO labeling after suppliers complain







It’s been five years since Whole Foods Market announced it would require all products containing genetically modified organisms sold in its stores to be labeled as such by September 2018.

An email sent to suppliers this week indicates the natural grocery chain, which was recently acquired by Amazon, has no intention of following through on that promise.

Amid supplier complaints about the “confusion” of having to comply with both the USDA’s coming GMO labeling laws and Whole Foods’ more stringent requirements, the retailer said it would pause its plans indefinitely.

“As the USDA finalizes the federal regulation in the coming months and the food industry assesses the impact, we do not want our Policy to pose further challenges for you and your business,” Whole Foods President and Chief Operations Officer A.C. Gallo wrote in the email.

The Whole Foods labeling policy would’ve required suppliers to disclose the presence of GMOs directly on product packaging; while the USDA “labels” would only require manufacturers to include QR codes for customers to scan with their phones to obtain more info.
Whole Foods labeling system also would’ve had stricter rules for animal products raised on genetically modified grains than the USDA codes.
Worst of all, the USDA label will only require coding of “bioengineered” foods — those containing the spliced genes of another organism. Other types of genetic modification, including foods produced by gene-editing tools like CRISPR, would not need to be labeled.

“We remain committed to providing our customers with the level of transparency they want and expect from us,” the company told the New Food Economy, “and will continue to require suppliers to obtain third-party verification for non-GMO claims.”




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Comments

4 responses to “Whole Foods Breaks Promise to Label GMOs by 2018”

  1. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    Need to get a letter writing campaign going, to both the USDA and to WF corporate, stating that as consumers we prefer to KNOW exactly what is in our foods – including ALL genetic code that was not placed there by natural means. This sort of nonsense is why I grow most of my own food and only buy from trusted organic local farmers.

    1. sandra c reid Avatar
      sandra c reid

      Totally agree. Tired of being treated as a second rate customer. I am switching totally to local organic farms.

  2. sandra c reid Avatar
    sandra c reid

    Tired of your BS. Your prices are high and nothing I memorable. Going elsewhere.

  3. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Purium holds onto their promise in providing the Purest and most Premium Superfood products on the market! Know exactly what you are consuming! Check them out and give your body what it naturally wants!

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