UK Government’s New Labeling Law Would Allow Food Companies To “Cash In” on The Organic Label
Concerns over weather or not the government in the United Kingdom will allow higher quantities of genetically modified (GM) ingredients into organic foods without labeling are rising.
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If the proposal is accepted, up to 0.9 percent GM ingredients will be allowed in foods labeled “organic”. 0.9 percent is the current cutoff point that requires products to be labeled as containing GM ingredients as per the European Union’s rules. This rules however, prohibit the “organic” label to appear on foods containing any GM ingredients.
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“There is overwhelming evidence that one of the main reasons that consumers buy organic is to avoid eating food containing any GM,” said Alex Smith, chair of the Organic Group of the Food and Drink Federation. “If the proposals set out by the government were implemented … organic businesses [would] face enhanced risks of GM contamination, product recall and loss of their most valuable asset, the consumer trust that underlies their brand value.”
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According to the Soil Association, a nonprofit organization promoting organic farming, no organic businesses were consulted before coming up with the new proposed rules, yet direct meetings with a number of GM companies did take place.
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“People who eat organic food will end up paying for a GM policy designed to benefit the GM companies,” said Policy Director Peter Melchett.
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During a meeting at the House of Commons, the Organic Group and the Soil Association introduced a motion to change the acceptable amount of GM material from 0.9 percent to 0.1 percent, a move that Melchett said he “warmly welcomed.”
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“Consumers have the right to choose non-GM foods,” the motion reads, “and … all foods containing GM material, or that come from livestock fed on GM should be clearly labeled as such.”
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“We hope it is not too late for the government to change [its] pro-GM stance, which threatens public trust in organic farming and food,” Melchett said.
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Folks, this whole “organic bandwagon” jumping is a joke. I mean let’s face it, these big companies are simply looking to cash in on the “organic” label without actually providing the customer with the organic level of the product.
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Stunts like these should be a crime punishable by a hefty fine in my book. Where do we draw the line? Something is either organic or it’s not.
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Posted: February 20th, 2007 under Organic Products.
Comments
Comment from D. V. Copp
Time February 21, 2007 at 4:32 am
What I have read in the above report would certainly give me cause for changing my voting habits, I do not want any GM foods. Any proposal that includes over 00.0% of GM food in the “organic” label should heavily penalised.
Comment from Ralph Eaton
Time February 22, 2007 at 9:31 pm
What I have read in the above report would certainly give me cause for changing my voting habits, I do not want any GM foods. Any proposal that includes over 00.0% of GM food in the “organic” label should heavily penalised.