» Environment » GMOs

The Non-GMO Project helps consumers choose safe, clean products free of genetically modified organisms

GM labelling – if the Government won’t do it, do it yourself

For anti-GM campaigners, the aftermath of the Proposition 37 bid to label GM foods in California feels like a bit of an anti-climax.

The buzz that surrounded the ‘Yes on 37’ campaign dwindled as the big guns launched a barrage of TV and newspaper adds to convince the Californian voters that transparency about what they are eating is a bad thing.

All is not lost

Despite the attempted brain washing, all is not lost. The ‘Yes on 37’ only lost out by 6%. It has created a lot of awareness about provenance of food, and maybe the tables will turn for greater transparency without relying on government legislation.

This increased awareness has raised demand for non-GM produce, or at least for clearer labelling.

Enter the Non-GMO project, the only third party verification and labelling for non-GMO food and products in North America.

A resource for non-GMO products

The Non-GMO project is, in their own words; a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices.

The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is gaining popularity.  According to SPINS, the leading information and service provider for the Natural and Specialty products industry, expansion of Non- GMO verified products on shelf has resulted in $2.4 billion sales during the past year – an 85% increase over the $1.3 billion the previous year.

This means that products labelled as non-GMO are now among the fastest growing markets in the food industry.

A giant leap the right direction

The gives consumers some choice, but it is a drop in the ocean when it comes to the number of products on the market that are not labelled, or labelled as ‘natural’, when they are of GM origin.

This was one of the major selling points of the ‘Yes on 37’ campaign. Labelling food as natural is misleading to consumers, who rightly assume that if something is labelled as ‘natural’ then it cannot possibly be from an engineered source.

The project now recognises 6,000 products that meet the standards for GM avoidance, many of which are from well-known brands.

It is thought that the listing of some popular processed foods, like crisps, snacks and cereals- often a guaranteed source of GM, has created the greatest interest from consumers. This has all contributed to generate sales in excess of $1 billion dollars for Non-GMO sales.

Megan Westgate, executive direction for the Non-GMO Project is not surprised by its success:

“Recent polls show that more than 90% of Americans want to know whether or not their food contains genetically engineered ingredients. Over the past year, there has been a swell in support for the ‘right to know’ movement for GMO labelling. The Non-GMO Project has been a key proponent of the movement and provides an immediate solution to help shoppers make informed decisions and avoid GMOs.”

Good news for organics, too

In addition to purchasing products touting the Non-GMO Verification seal, consumers are also turning to organics to avoid genetically modified ingredients. GM ingredients are not permitted in organic foods, although some contamination can be unavoidable.

Sales of organic products are up 12.2% in the last year too. The biggest growth was found in natural supermarkets (+15.8%).

“Time will tell what’s in store for the future of labelling,” says Mary Ellen Lynch, SPINS Director of Consumer Insights.

“The fact that consumers are fighting for their right to know at the polls shows the significance of the issue and how far it has progressed thanks to organizations like the Non-GMO Project. It’s more important than ever for each of us to take action in support of a safe food supply.”