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GMOs & GE Foods

Genetically Modified (GMO) and Genetically Engineered (GE) organisms are created by physically manipulating their genetic structure in a laboratory setting through gene-splicing with non-related organisms (plant, animal, bacteria, viral genes). Currently,  Outpost does not support the development or use of these organisms until our policy committee feels they have been proven safe for the consumer.

Labels

Unfortunately, there are no regulations in place calling for the labeling of foods that could contain GMOs. Since the use of genetically modified corn, soybean and sugar beet crops have all been approved and farmed in the US, it’s quite likely that conventional varieties of these foods, and the processed foods prepared with these conventional ingredients, contain GMOs. Without laws requiring labeling, the consumer is in the dark. And the process of testing foods to determine the presence or absence of GMOs would be cost prohibitive for a single business such as Outpost.

Outpost becomes sustaining member!

To help in the fight to change food labeling laws, Outpost has become a sustaining member of the Truth in Labeling Coalition, a non-profit organization whose mission it is to make it mandatory for manufacturers to disclose GE and GMO foodstuffs on labels. 

Outpost’s policy

We believe that foods grown containing genetically modified organisms (GMO) or that are genetically engineered (GE) may compromise the health and safety of the food supply in general. That’s why we support laws that would mandate the clear labeling of GMO foods.

Boycotts

As a co-op, we serve a diverse base of nearly 16,000 owners and many more shoppers, all with differing opinions and needs. That diversity is something we celebrate – in fact, supporting diversity is part of our mission statement. Our policy is to inform customers about issues such as GMOs in the food supply so that they can make informed decisions. Those decisions will be reflected in sales in our stores. Simply put, if an item doesn’t sell, it likely won’t remain on our shelves.

What can shoppers do

Buy organic. It’s the best way to avoid GMOs in food. Organic growers and producers are forbidden to use products containing GMOs as feed for animals or to grow as food for production. Organic products are routinely tested for the presence of these organisms. 

Seek regulatory change

We support laws that would require the labeling of any food items containing GMOs. We have added our voice to the National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA), which fights for labeling laws on the federal level. Shoppers can add their voice to the call for mandatory labeling by contacting their legislators.

For more than 40 years, Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative has been a leader in promoting organic and safer food choices. We intend to continue our efforts both locally, and nationally with the help of the NCGA, to raise awareness and request mandatory labeling so that consumers can make informed food choices.

From the Huffington Post - Do You Know How Many Genetically Modified Foods You're Eating?

GMO Alfalfa Update Posted Jan. 30, 2011