Vermont Business Magazine Campbell Soup Company(NYSE: CPB)announced last Thursday its support for the enactment of federal legislation to establish a single mandatory labeling standard for foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Vermont House SpeakerShapSmith and Congressman Peter Welch offered their reaction to the news that one of the country’s largest food manufacturers will disclose thepresenceofgenetically modifiedingredientsin its products.
"When Vermont passed the nation's first GMO labeling law, we sent a clearmessage to consumers and food manufacturersthateveryVermonter has the rightto know what's in their food. Today we seebusinesses across the countryembracing the Vermont model. More and more Americansagree that commonsense food labeling works. Even Campbell Soup Company, one of the country’s largest food manufacturers,has arrived at the conclusion that consumers deserve to know what's in their products. Yet again, Vermonthas provided the courage and leadership to pass a bold law that will soon be the law of the land."
This label was prepared to comply with pending GMO labeling legislation in
Welch tweeted: "Hat tip to@CampbellSoupCofor deciding to label food products containing#GMOs. Consumers have right to know what's in the food they buy." (See STORY:US House votes to block Vermont's GMO labeling law)
Campbell said believes it is necessary for the federal government to provide a national standard for labeling requirements to better inform consumers about this issue. The company will advocate for federal legislation that would require all foods and beverages regulated by theFood and Drug Administration(FDA) and theU.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) to be clearly and simply labeled 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 labeling, Campbell will withdraw from all efforts led by coalitions and groups opposing such measures.
The company continues to oppose a patchwork of state-by-state labeling laws, which it believes are incomplete, impractical and create unnecessary confusion for consumers.
Campbell said 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 inVermont. The company would seek guidance from theFDAand approval by USDA.
Campbell continues to recognize 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.
Campbell has been engaged in the conversation about GMO labeling for several years and has taken action to provide consumers with more information about how its products are made, including the presence of GMOs, through efforts like its website www.whatsinmyfood.com. With 92 percent of Americans supporting the labeling of GMO foods, Campbell believes now is the time for the federal government to act quickly to implement a federal solution.
More information about the rationale behind Campbell’s decision can be found onCampbell’s newsroom.
About
Campbell (NYSE:CPB) is driven and inspired by our Purpose, “Real food that matters for life’s moments.” The company makes a range of high-quality soups and simple meals, beverages, snacks and packaged fresh foods. For generations, people have trusted Campbell to provide authentic, flavorful and readily available foods and beverages that connect them to each other, to warm memories, and to what’s important today. Led by its iconicCampbell’sbrand, the company’s portfolio includesPepperidge Farm,Bolthouse Farms,Arnott’s, V8,Swanson,Pace,Prego, Plum,Royal Dansk,KjeldsensandGarden Fresh Gourmet.Founded in 1869, Campbell has a heritage of giving back and acting as a good steward of the planet’s natural resources. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. For more information, visitwww.campbellsoupcompany.comor follow company news on Twitter via@CampbellSoupCo.