As the public eye focuses ever more harshly on the practice of genetically modifying food, Chipotle has joined other national brands in labeling the ingredients used by the company that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Chipotle is the first American fast food chain to label their ingredients in this fashion, and is doing so completely voluntarily.
The change was instituted in March, well before the use and labeling of GMOs in consumer products was protested in dozens of cities around the world last month. But because the labeling was neither publicized nor promoted, the change, specifically the red letter “g” next to any ingredient that has been genetically modified, went unnoticed for several months.
The labeling of GMOs has been a controversial issue over the last several years. Several states have attempted to pass legislation requiring GMOs to be labeled as such, but most attempts have failed. The Food and Drug Administration has issued assurances saying that GMOs are safe for human consumption, but some tests have shown results that call into question the FDA’s conclusions. Many others oppose the business practices of corporations that manufacture, sell, and produce GMOs.
Among the 24 ingredients listed on the site, 12 contain GMOs, including the tortillas, rice, and the majority of the meat options. The Huffington Post reports that Chipotle’s executives have previously campaigned in favor of legislation that would mandate the labeling of GMOs, and that the site’s ingredient page indicates that the company would like to phase out GMOs over the next several years, but that it is difficult to find reliable sources of soy and corn that don’t rely on GMOs.
While Chipotle is the first fast food chain to label GMOs in their ingredients, they are not the first national food company to do so. Ben & Jerry’s started labeling their GMO ingredients, and announced that they will be phasing out the use of modified ingredients over the next several years. Grocery store chain Whole Foods also announced that they will be requiring companies they work with to label GMOs in their products over the next few years.