Ninety percent of the corn grown in America has at least trace amounts of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.
Corn alone poses a massive undertaking for U.S. food manufacturers wanting to go GMO-free. The Center for Food Safetysays that more than 75 percent of food in the U.S. contains genetically modified ingredients.
Cheerios
General Mills will release a GMO-free version of their popular Cheerios cereal. This was no small—or short—feat.
It took General Mills the better part of a year to bring GMO-free Cheerios to production. Cheerios are made largely of oats, which are not genetically modified. Finding GMO-free sugar and corn, with which to sweeten the cereal, was a challenge.
Even after GMO-free ingredients were found, ensuring they remained free of contaminants while processing, transporting and packaging the food required an entirely new production system.
This level of quality control is expensive.
Paying A Premium
General Mills has said it will absorb the extra cost for now, trusting that high demand for the product will yield financial returns.
Chipotle has announced its stores will go GMO-free, and the cost of its products will rise.
Some see opportunity in the obstacles faced by companies making the transition. The San Francisco-based Equilibrium Capital Group is looking into a GMO-free supply chain, from processing to handling.
No To GMO?
Many countriesalready label GMO products, and U.S. consumers are increasingly demanding to know the contents of their food.
The Non-GMO Project independently verifies "Non-GMO" products as those containing 0.9 or less GMOs. The organization aims to standardize the practice of labeling to increase consumer consciousness about the presence of GMOs.
In addition to labeling products, the website also rates restaurants and retailers.
The Environmental Working Group compiles a GMO-free shopper's guide. Included on the site is information about why to avoid GMOs, ways to limit exposure, and foods to steer clear of.