Independent supermarket chain Foodland SA has rejected the use of genetically modified (GM) food material in its Foodland range of products.
It has also called for better labelling of branded and fresh products to ensure consumers can choose whether or not to buy other goods containing GM foods.
Foodland SA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Russell Markham, said the decision was made after feedback from customers.
“Our customers have overwhelmingly indicated that they do not want GM ingredients in our Foodland products,” he said.
“None of our Foodland range currently contains GM ingredients and we feel it is important to assure our customers that all our foods will remain GM free in the future.
Mr Markham said the labelling issue was particularly important given moves by some State Governments to lift bans on the commercial growing of GM foods.
“If Governments are prepared to allow GM foods to be grown commercially, they must give the customer the right to decide whether or not to consume them,” he said.
“This means having clear and unambiguous labelling laws and these laws need to be in place before any decision is made to lift bans on commercial growing.
Mr Markham said Foodland currently had 160 Foodland branded products, ranging from dairy to frozen and grocery items. More than half of these are manufactured in South Australia.
Foodland’s stance follows decisions by Australia’s largest food company, Goodman Fielder, and Australia’s largest lamb exporter, Tatiara Meats, to exclude GM products.
Foodland