Major Australia Supermarket Chain says 'No' to GMO
Move to lift ban in biotech crops getting opposition from food sellers.
Compiled by staff
Published: Nov 23, 2007
Australian supermarket giant Coles has joined the organic industry in speaking out against genetically modified food as State Governments appear closer to lifting of their bans on the commercial growing of GM food crops, according to a report from Fairfax Media's Farm Online Web site.
When asked what Coles' position was, at a Parliamentary forum on Tuesday, Coles representative Chris Mara stated that, "Coles listens to our customers and over 90 per cent do not want GM ingredients in their food and Coles whole private label range of 'Smart Buy', 'You'll Love Coles' and 'Coles Finest' exclude all GM ingredients in response to customer concerns".
The statement follows similar sentiments from Goodman Fielder, Australia's largest food company, Tatiara Meats, Australia's largest lamb exporter and 250 other food companies calling on the State Governments to extend their bans of GM food crops.
Biological Farmers of Australia spokesman, Scott Kinnear, said, if genetically engineered crops were introduced in Australia, non-GE and organic farmers will have to bear the crippling costs of testing, segregation, supply chain management and will be held liable if they sell non-GE product that is contaminated.
"Australian farmers will lose valuable export markets and the country will lose its lucrative GE-free status forever," Kinnear says.
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Tagged: organic, farm
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