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Non-GMO activists claim ‘huge victory’

“A huge victory for the non-GMO movement.”

That’s how non-GMO activists are reacting to General Mills’ announcement that it will be stop using genetically modified ingredients in its original Cheerios cereal.

In reality, the move does not appear to be that much of a stretch for General Mills.  The main ingredient in Cheerios is oats, which has never been genetically modified.  The company says it will switch to corn starch from non-GMO corn and sugar from non-GMO pure cane sugar.

However, these changes apply only to the original Cheerios.  A company spokesman tells CNN that removing genetically modified ingredients from their flavored varieties, such as Honey Nut and Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, would be “difficult, if not impossible”.

General Mills said the original-flavored Cheerios will soon include a label on boxes stating “Not Made With Genetically Modified Ingredients”.  But the company also issued a warning that traces of GMO product could still be found in the new batches, due to contamination during processing and manufacturing.

General Mills has been strongly criticized by non-GMO activists since the company donated over one-million dollars to the campaign to defeat California’s Proposition 37 in 2012.  That proposition would have required labeling of foods containing GMO ingredients.

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