I want to support the agricultural science community, but most of my favorite foods proudly advertise no GMOs! and some even have a NonGMO Project seal on the label. Is there a list of brands, stores, or farmers markets I can shop from who openly advocate the use of GMOs in their products?

Expert response from Jennifer Schmidt

Maryland Farmer and Registered Dietician

Friday, 27/03/2015 11:48

Unfortunately, I was unable to discover any farmer’s market, brand or grocery store that openly promotes or advertises GMO foods. There are stores however, that positively discuss GMOs in our food supply and the current science surrounding the technology. Most of these statements were found either on their organic/natural foods page, or on a sustainability page.  Here are a few that I was able to find:

Wegmans

“What is Wegmans' position on GMOs?

“Our job is to bring you a wide array of safe, delicious, healthy foods at consistent low prices. For those wanting to avoid GMOs we point to a growing selection of certified organic products.

“Here’s what reassures us about the safety of GMO foods and ingredients currently available.

“All GMO seed companies have consulted with FDA on each potential product. According to FDA, the seed companies have satisfactorily completed every additional test that FDA has asked for, even though this consultation is not required by law.

“The testing protocols FDA uses are well established by a global collection of scientists from 168 nations.

“We believe that it is now time for the FDA, through an act of Congress if needed, to mandate (officially formalize) pre-market approval for all foods produced by GMO technology. This would assure us that all future GMO products will meet these well-recognized food safety standards no matter what country or company develops them. Furthermore, we believe that a national standard should be created for labeling non-GMO items. In that way consumers wanting to avoid GMOs can have confidence that consistent, non-misleading definitions are being followed no matter who distributes the product.”

Ingles Market

“Genetically Engineered Products (GMOs)

“Ingles Markets is committed to the following:

1. Supporting efforts of our food industry association, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), towards national legislation that enables the FDA to call for manufacturers and farmers to identify products and ingredients that are ‘GMO-free’ or ‘Non-GMO’.

2. Abiding by all product labeling guidelines currently set forth by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as by state and local regulations.

3. Continuing to monitor the conversation nationally and among manufacturers and retailers on the topic of genetically engineered crops and ingredients as well as relevant scientific studies and research.

4. Continuing to provide our customers with a wide variety of options and choices including USDA Certified Organic products (which by definition are ‘non-GMO’ – not genetically engineered).

5. Continuing to source products that bear the certified ‘Non-GMO project’ seal.”

Giant Foods/Stop & Shop

(Q&A Section)

“Q. do Nature's Promise® products contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

A. While many refer to certain ingredients as being ‘genetically modified’ or ‘GMO,’ the correct term for this biotechnology is ‘genetically engineered.’ If you're looking to avoid genetically engineered ingredients, shop organic. All of our organic products are USDA Certified Organic. USDA Organic regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered feed or ingredients.”

Walmart

(Sustainable food, hunger & nutrition section)

While no specific mention of GMOs is made, it would seem that Walmart does indicate that their goal of making food affordable and nutritious,  as well as sustainable, using less resources, that GMOs fit very well into this description. Walmart has a very extensive series of pages regarding sustainable food, environmental responsibility and responsible sourcing.  But there was no mention of GMO specifically on any of the pages I reviewed.

“Walmart is committed to getting the best, the healthiest, the most affordable food to as many people as possible. We are fighting hunger in the U.S. We’re making food healthier and healthier food more affordable. And we’re using our size and scale to help support farmers and their communities, produce more food with fewer resources and less waste, and sustainably source key agricultural products.”

Safeway

“Safeway believes you should always have a choice in products that align with your lifestyle and budget. As part of our ongoing efforts to give you that option, we require that all Safeway brand suppliers meet USDA and FDA regulations. To date, the USDA, FDA and available science make no health or nutrition distinction between approved Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and non-GMO products and ingredients.”

There were some stores like Acme and Food Lion where I found no mention whatsoever. So while this doesn’t really answer your question, it does indicate that several mainstream grocery stores recognize and state the importance of the science and regulation and do not to use the fear-mongering language found at other grocers.