While a national debate rages about whether or not to label foods that contain genetically modified ingredients, many products now certified as not containing GMOs are proliferating on grocery shelves without any nationwide mandatory regulations,
The New York Times reports.
While public interest groups and advocates wage war in state legislatures, on ballots and in Congress over the issue, many food manufacturers are adding the phrase “non-G.M.O.” to their packaging without a verification process.
“We’ve put it on our labels because it was something our customers wanted to know,” said Hitesh Hajarnavis, chief executive of Popcorn Indiana, which sells ready-to-eat popcorn.
So if more companies elect to stick labels on their products stating that they are G.M.O.-free, whether verified or not, does that make the fierce policy debate increasingly moot?
“It’s an interesting question,” said Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives at Consumers Union, which lobbies for mandatory labeling.
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