We have banned Genetically Modified (GM) crops, ingredients or additives in Co-operative brand food products since 1999. The Co-operative Group is not opposed to the technology of genetic modification as such, and we recognise there is growing consensus that GM, along with other food technologies, may be required as a solution to the challenges facing the global food system in the coming decades. We are keeping the situation under review to ensure that our policy position is relevant for our customers and remains up to date.

We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that our GM policy is adhered to. Any soya or maize based ingredients or additives used in our products must come from suppliers who are able to prove that these ingredients come from certified non-GM sources.

Before a genetically modified organism (GMO) can be marketed in the European Union it must go through a rigorous authorisation process which includes a safety and environmental assessment. The latest scientific research and current Government advice is that GM ingredients do not present any risks for human or animal health.

It is also required by European legislation that GM food, ingredients or additives must be labelled.

Genetic Modification (GM) – Animal feed

The majority of the world’s soya crop is used in industrial non-food applications and as animal feed. In 2010, 95 million hectares of soya beans were grown with 77% of these being GM varieties (1). The amount of GM crops grown across the globe has increased year on year since their introduction and, because of the volumes involved, it is becoming increasingly difficult to source non-GM soy for animal feed.

The world’s maize crop is also increasingly based on GM varieties. In 2010, 157 million hectares of maize was grown, with 30% of these being GM varieties (1).

Since 2003, we have been working with suppliers to achieve greater availability of products from animals fed a non-GM diet. Unfortunately this position is proving to be increasingly difficult to deliver. This is because the amount of non-GM soya being produced is decreasing, there are increasing difficulties in segregating through the soya supply chain and there is an increasing cost to farmers and potentially consumers for non-GM soya.

All of this has meant that our previously stated position of increasing availability of products from animals fed a non-GM diet is no longer tenable. Currently Co-operative shell eggs, farmed salmon and trout; Elmwood, Free Range chicken, turkey, fresh duck, Hampshire pork and NZ lamb is fed on a non-GM diet. We cannot confirm the non-GM status of any other fresh meat or dairy or any meat (other than Elmwood chicken), dairy or non UK eggs when used as ingredients in other products.

All organic meat and dairy products are produced from animals fed a diet without GM ingredients.

There is no requirement under European legislation to label meat and dairy from animals fed on a diet containing GM material. We will continue to monitor the animal feed supply situation and update this information should the situation change. (1) http://www.food.gov.uk/gmfoods/gm/gmanimal

Genetic Modification Use in Packaging Production

To increase the life, reduce waste and improve the quality of selected fresh produce lines, we have approved the use of film packaging containing polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn. As segregation between GM and non-GM corn is not financially possible, some of the corn may be GM. However, to support non-GM corn production, we have ensured our supplier will offset our corn use. This means the supplier is required to source at least the quantity of corn used in our packaging from non-GM sources. The final plastic used as packaging is tested and certified to contain no GM material.