Deirdre Cummings
Legislative Director, MASSPIRG
617-747-4319
[email protected]
Consumers Call on Stop and Shop to Label GMOs, On Anniversary of Whole Foods Labeling Commitment
Media Contacts
MASSPIRG EDUCATION FUND
Boston – Consumer and health and food safety advocates launched a campaign calling on Stop and Shop to label its store-brand products for ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), on the one year anniversary of Whole Foods’ announcement that it will adopt labeling for all products in its stores.
“Whole Foods took a big step, and it’s time for Stop and Shop to deliver for its customers,” said Deirdre Cummings, Consumer Program Director with MASSPIRG Education Fund. “Consumers have real concerns about GMOs, but whether you have concerns or not, consumers have a right to know what’s in their food.”
As part of the event, MASSPIRG Education Fund also released a report documenting other recent actions companies have taken in response to consumers’ desire for better information about GMO ingredients in their food. In addition to Whole Foods’ commitment to labeling, other recent actions include:
- Chipotle and Ben & Jerry’s announced they will label the food they sell for GMO ingredients, and eventually move towards phasing out those ingredients.
- Both Cheerios and Grape-Nuts are going GMO-free.
- The Non-GMO Project, which offers voluntary GMO labeling, in 2013 saw a 300% year-over-year increase in producer interest.
And just this week, Kroger and Safeway joined other grocery chains, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Target by announcing they would not sell genetically engineered salmon, even if it’s approved for sale.
“Polls consistently show more than 90% of the public supports labeling,” continued Cummings. “It’s just smart business sense for companies to give their customers what they want.”
“GMO labeling is a common-sense solution that will help Stop and Shop customers know what’s on their plates,” said Cummings. “On the anniversary of Whole Foods’ commitment, it’s time for Stop and Shop to do the same.”
MASSPIRG is also calling on the state legislature to pass a GMO labeling law, giving all consumers the right to know about GMO in their food. Connecticut and Maine recently passed laws and Vermont is poised to pass one soon. “Many thousands across the region have declared their right to know if they’re eating GMOs,” said Martin Dagoberto, Campaign Coordinator for Right to Know GMO Massachusetts, a leader in the effort to pass a strong state GMO labeling law.
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MASSPIRG Education Fund works to protect consumers and promote good government. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public, and offer meaningful opportunities for civic participation. www.masspirgedfund.org
MA Right to Know GMO is a statewide network of advocates declaring our fundamental right to know if our food contains ingredients derived from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).