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08 Oct 1998
Friends of the Earth has welcomed the news that ASDA is to ban genetically modified (GM)ingredients in all its new food lines and is asking suppliers to use GM-free ingredients in existing brands. The move follows public opposition to the development of both GM foods and crops. ASDA has told FOE that
. it is asking suppliers to refrain from using GM soya or Maize in new own label products;
. they are asking suppliers of existing own brand products to use certified GM free sources of soya and maize;
. where suppliers cannot do this they are being asked to reformulate the product where possible; and where it is not possible, they will fully label whether or not modified material is present in the final product.
Adrian Bebb, Biotech campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“Asda should be congratulated for taking these steps to remove GM ingredients from its food lines, this is an extremely encouraging step. However, we hopethat they will now follow the example of High Street store Iceland and ban GMingredients in all its own brand products.”
ASDA's move follows reports that Tesco are to label all products that contain GM ingredients. Under a new EU Regulation food containing GM ingredients must be labelled.However, some ingredients which may be derived from genetically modified sources such as Lecithin (a soya derivative) and vegetable oils are exempt.
Commenting, Adrian Bebb said:
“Simply warning customers that products contain genetically modified ingredients is not enough. People don't want to eat GM food and they don't want GM crops to be grown. By selling GM foods containing GM ingredients they are encouraging farmers to grow GM crops. Shoppers are clearly saying what they want, but most supermarkets are still not listening.”
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
Media team
