Archived press release

British food firms going gm-free

26 May 1999

A new survey [1] published today by Friends of the Earth shows that almost all of the UK's leading food manufacturers have removed, or are removing, GM ingredients from their food products. The news is a major victory for consumers, the vast majority of whom remain concerned about the potential health and environmental impact of the new technology despite Government attempts to reassure the public of its safety.

Friends of the Earth contacted the top 30 UK food manufacturers to see what their policy was towards GM ingredients in their food products (including derivatives such as oil and lecithin, an emulsifier) [2]. The survey revealed that:

. Twenty four of the 30 companies told Friends of the Earth that they are either GM-free already or are going GM-free;

.Of the others, two - Diageo and Allied Domecq - are reviewing the situation; fourhave statements pending [3].

The rush to go GM-free has intensified over recent weeks. All the top supermarkets are now removing GM ingredients from their own-brand food products, and a FOE survey in March revealed that most of the major restaurant chains were also going GM-free.

Adrian Bebb, food campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:
"The British public do not want GM food or crops and the food companies have been forced to listen. This is one of the most astonishing turnarounds ever as a result of consumer demand. There is now a booming market for GM-free ingredients. The Government should ensure that manufacturers have easy access to non-GM food supplies, and help UK farmers meet the demand by keeping the British countryside GM-free."

Companies have adopted a variety of approaches to ensure that they can source GM-free ingredients. Supermarket chain Sainsbury's has formed a European consortium to guarantee a source of GM-free ingredients and derivatives. Domino Pizza has told FOE that it has a programme of 30 independent tests to ensure that their products remain GM-free, as well as site visits throughout the world to check on supplies [4].

Friends of the Earth has been at the forefront of the campaign to persuade food manufacturers to go GM-free. Last summer FOE revealed that the House of Commons restaurants had banned GM ingredients. FOE also launched a campaign to persuade supermarkets to go GM-free. A FOE/NOP survey showed that most supermarket customers did not want GM food. The results were publicised outside supermarkets around the country by a FOE genebeast.

In December a FOE survey of the top restaurants in the Good Food Guide revealed that most restaurateurs wanted a five year ban on GM food and crops. And in March FOE revealed that leading restaurant chains were also going GM-free.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The top 30 food companies was compiled from the British Business Ranking's [Key British Enterprises 1999 - Dunn and Bradstreet] list of top 'food manufactureres and kindred products'. The list is ranked by sales. FOE's list excludes those companies that don't make food (mainly drinks companies), and (where identified) subsidiaries of larger companies which appear in the list. A list is available on request.

[2] Under an EU regulation any food item containing the DNA of genetically modified soya or maize must be labelled. However, derivatives such as lecithin and oils - which don't contain any DNA - are not required to be labelled.

[3] Diageo, which owns Burger King and Pilsbury, have told FOE that it is removing GM ingredients from its products but are reviewing the situation regarding derivatives. Allied Domecq (which makes Baskin Robbins (ice cream) and Dunkin Donuts) are reviewing the use of GM ingredients and derivatives. Kelloggs, Walker Snacks and Sun Valley Foodsdo not contain GM ingredients and will shortly be making a statement on GM derivatives. MD foods will also be clarifying its position shortly.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust