Original Cheerios to Go GMO-Free

General Mills says some Cheerios made without genetically modified ingredients will start appearing on shelves soon. The company said Thursday that it has been manufacturing its original-flavor Cheerios without GMOs for the past several weeks. It did not specify exactly when those boxes would be on sale. The change does not apply to any other Cheerios flavors such as Apple Cinnamon Cheerios. Original Cheerios boxes will be labeled as “Not Made With Genetically Modified Ingredients.” But the boxes will say that trace amounts of GMO ingredients could be present due to contamination during the manufacturing process, said Mike Siemienas, a company spokesman. Original Cheerios are already made with non-GMO oats, but now the company says it’s also using non-GMO cornstarch and sugar. While General Mills decision to phase out GMO ingredients in some of their products is a step in the right direction, they are still very much a pro-GMO company. Click here to read their stance on genetically modified ingredients. Your best bet is to avoid Cheerios all together and chose a fully organic cereal instead.

A Disappointing Article From The New York Times

A recent New York Times article, which discusses the partial ban on genetically engineered crops in Hawaii, failed to thoroughly, and fairly, present all sides surrounding the GMO debate. In fact, the article reads as a pro-GMO piece, highlighting cracks in the anti-GMO movement, while ignoring the profit driven motivations, unethical tactics, and environmental devastation created as a result of the production of these controversial crops. The author of the article, Amy Harmon, portrays opponents of GMOs as fear driven individuals who have been misinformed in regards to the safety of GMOs and their role within our nation. Unfortunately, the readers who have no prior knowledge of the controversy surrounding GMOs,? will only do themselves a great disservice by reading this article.

Industry Proposal Would Bar GE Food Labels

A new legislative proposal drafted by the food industry would make it impossible for any state to require labeling of genetically engineered food. This reveals how far some big companies will go to hide basic information from their own customers. The industry proposal would also block any attempt by states to make it illegal for food companies to put a ?natural? label on products that contain GE ingredients or to claim that all GE ingredients currently on the market are ?safe.? Maine and Connecticut have already passed laws that require GE labeling, and Connecticut has prohibited GE ingredients in foods labeled ?natural.? More than 20 other states will consider GE labeling laws in 2014. It would also change federal law to limit when FDA can compel companies to disclose the presence of GE ingredients. The effort put forth by major food companies to hide what is in their products is a clear indication that they have something to hide – and that’s unsafe ingredients.