The global billion-dollar company issued a press release on January 7th regarding the decision, as well as a statement titled “Why We Support Mandatory National GMO Labeling”. Campbell’s stated the move is a result of their “Consumer first” mindset, citing that 92% of consumers are in favor of GMO labeling. Despite their belief in the safety of GMO consumption, they think it is important to be open and honest with consumers.
The company’s intention is to “set the standard for transparency in the food industry”. Many consumers and public interest groups have protested the lack of transparency that currently exists in the food industry. Even before the GMO labeling announcement, Campbell’s insists it has taken steps to provide consumers with information regarding their food—including the use of GMO’s—on their website, www.whatsinmyfood.com, which has detailed information on what goes into their products.
The decision comes at an interesting time, as many consumers across the country have pushed for GMO labeling, which consequently has resulted in the issue being taken up by several state governments. Vermont passed the first GMO labeling law mandating that food producers include GMO labeling on all products by July 2016. Up until now, all the big players in the food industry have been actively fighting and lobbying against GMO labeling measures. Campbell’s decision to support the labeling represents a split in the food industry, and could be a turning point in the passing of GMO labeling laws in the future.
Although Campbell’s has taken the initiative to start labeling their products, until the government mandates GMO labeling for all food, consumers looking to avoid GMO’s should look to organic food, or their local, non-GMO food producers and farmers.
