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Campbell supports GMO labelling

15 Jan 2016

Campbell Soup has announced its support for the enactment of federal legislation to establish a single mandatory labelling standard for foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Campbell Soup has announced its support for the enactment of federal legislation to establish a single mandatory labelling standard for foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Campbell said it believes it is necessary for the federal government to provide a national standard for labelling requirements to better inform consumers about this issue. The company will advocate for federal legislation that would require all foods and beverages regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and theU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to be clearly and simply labelled for GMOs. Campbell is also supportive of a national standard for non-GMO claims made on food packaging.

As a result of its decision to support mandatory national GMO labelling, Campbell said it will withdraw from all efforts led by coalitions and groups opposing such measures.

The company continues to oppose a patchwork of state-by-state labelling laws, which it believes are incomplete, impractical and create unnecessary confusion for consumers.

Campbell says it is optimistic a federal solution can be established in a reasonable amount of time if all the interested stakeholders cooperate. However, if that is not the case, Campbell is prepared to label all of its U.S. products for the presence of ingredients that were derived from GMOs, not just those required by pending legislation in Vermont. The company would seek guidance from the FDA and approval by USDA.

Campbell continues to recognise that GMOs are safe, as the science indicates that foods derived from crops grown using genetically modified seeds are not nutritionally different from other foods. The company also said that believes technology will play a crucial role in feeding the world.