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Food makers may reformulate due to GMO labeling

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) says food makers may have to reformulate their products to meet a mandatory GMO labeling standard. Michael Gruber, is GMA’s Senior Vice President of federal affairs. He tells Brownfield Ag News, “I think reformulation is definitely an option that companies may consider in order to avoid a label that is, by design, a warning label that is intended to mislead consumers into believing there’s something wrong with their product.”

And Gruber tells Brownfield reformulation with few, if any, genetically modified ingredients would be expensive and difficult, “For all companies, whether you’re small, medium or large, there are so many ingredients that are ubiquitous – in ingredients that are genetically engineered to be drought resistant or pest resistant. And the organic or non-GMO market simply isn’t large enough to meet the needs of U.S. food manufacturers at this point in time.”

Gruber says Vermont’s GMO labeling law that goes into effect in July is already a national mandate and needs to be overridden by federal law.

He says the Grocery Manufacturers Association wants Congress to pass a “national science-based standard that doesn’t scare consumers but allows food makers to provide information about (their) products in many different ways.” Gruber says the GMA is hopeful Congress will achieve that.

AUDIO:  Interview with Michael Gruber