Campbell Soup Company has backed proposals to establish a single mandatory labelling standard for foods with genetically modified (GM) ingredients.
The US company has claimed that “it is necessary for the federal government to provide a national standard for labelling requirements to better inform consumers about this issue”. It will urge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Department of Agriculture to regulate clear and simple labelling for GM foods on pack.
Campbell’s released this example of on-pack labelling.
The company will continue to oppose a patchwork of state-by-state labeling laws, which it said were “incomplete, impractical and create unnecessary confusion for consumers”.
The call for national legislation has been made at a time when Campbell’s products are having to be repackaged in order to meet incoming legislation on a state-by-state basis; the New Jersey-headquartered manufacturer has released a preview of an updated Campbell’s soup tin, which complies with laws to be brought in by the state of Vermont.
In a statement, the company said:“Campbell 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 US 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 believes technology will play a crucial role in feeding the world.”
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