New Leaf Community Markets sets GMO labeling deadline

New Leaf Community Markets with six stores in Santa Cruz California region, announced in April that it will require labeling of foods containing genetically modified organisms by 2018 (we reported on New Leaf). It is following in the footsteps of Whole Foods who became the first grocery chain in the U.S. to require GMO labeling, setting a deadline of 2018.


Last month Scott Roseman (right on the picture), co-owner of New Leaf, commended the Austin, Texas-based chain for taking the lead. Roseman estimates one-third of New Leaf's packaged products currently carry the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, but much more of the stock would need verification or be dropped, he said in an interview. "Perhaps up to 50 % of what we carry would either need to be labeled as possibly containing GMOs, or be dropped from our selection," Roseman said. According to Roseman New Leaf strongly encourages those bringing products with at-risk ingredients to change over to non-GMO sources and get certification."

New Leaf Community Markets is one of several independents that has announced the move after Whole Foods Market announced its intentions at Natural Products Expo West in March to require GMO labeling arcross all categories by 2018. "Why is it going to take five years?" The 2018 deadline gives manufacturers time to update packaging or research alternative ingredients, according to Roseman, who thinks it could "provide the impetus for a federal labeling requirement."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cites resistance to insect damage and hardiness as a benefit of genetically engineering plants. Corn, canola, soybean and cotton plants are used to make ingredients: Cornstarch in soups, corn syrup as a sweetener, and cottonseed, canola and soybean oil in mayonnaise, salad dressings, cereals, breads and snacks. As of April 1, the FDA completed more than 90 consultations on genetically engineered crops, 30 on corn, 15 on cotton, 12 each on canola and soybean, and 24 others. The agency supports voluntary labeling.

More information here.