Top UK retailer says no to GM animal feed

Canadian News Wire 21dec99

Today, the largest food retailer in the UK, TESCO, announced a plan to stop using genetically modified (GM) animal feed.

``This is crucial for the market since animal feed accounts for 80% of GM crop sales.'' said Greenpeace genetic engineering campaigner Michael Khoo.

Other retailers like Sainsbury, Marks & Spencer and Iceland foods are also phasing out GM animal feed.

``This will have a dramatic impact on GM seed sales in Canada.'' said Khoo

The announcement sheds doubt on Canadian retailers' claims that they cannot label GM food. ``If TESCO can take GMOs out of animal feed, Loblaws can get them out of human food. At the very least, this separation of GMOs proves that labelling GM food is possible for Loblaws,'' added Khoo.

In a letter sent to Cargill (the largest grain exporter in the US) & ADM, TESCO's Martin Cooke said ``Removal of GM ingredients from animal feeds is achievable through a phased process and that this can and must be done without incurring extra cost for our customers.'' Grain handlers and food processors such as Cargill and ADM are responsible for the separation of GMOs from non-GMOs.

``It is clear to us that our customers are concerned about the use of GM crops for animal feed and that they would like us to take steps to remove them.'' Cooke continued.

The process will begin in spring 2000 the letter said. ``This puts the nail in the coffin for the argument that segregation and labelling are not possible.'' said Khoo.