Madison-Area Consumers Call on Roundy’s Supermarkets to Label GMOs, On Anniversary of Whole Foods Labeling Commitment

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WISPIRG Foundation

Middleton, March 10 – Consumers and health advocates launched a campaign calling on Roundy’s Supermarkets to label its store-brand products for ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), on the one year anniversary of Whole Foods’ announcement that it will adopt labeling for all products in its stores. 

“Whole Foods took a big step, and it’s time for Roundy’s to deliver for its customers,” said Eric Prudent, WISPIRG Foundation GMO Campaign Coordinator.  “Consumers have real concerns about GMOs, including the way they lead to increased pesticide use, and they have a right to know what’s in their food.”

As part of the event, WISPIRG Foundation also released a report documenting other recent actions companies have taken in response to consumers’ desire for better information about GMO ingredients in their food.  In addition to Whole Foods’ commitment to labeling, other recent actions include:

•    Chipotle and Ben & Jerry’s announced they will label the food they sell for GMO ingredients, and eventually move towards phasing out those ingredients.
•    Both Cheerios and Grape-Nuts are going GMO-free.
•    The Non-GMO Project, which offers voluntary GMO labeling, in 2013 saw a 300% year-over-year increase in producer interest.

And just this week, Kroger and Safeway joined other grocery chains, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Target by announcing they would not sell genetically engineered salmon, even if it’s approved for sale.

“Polls consistently show more than 90% of the public supports labeling,” continued Prudent.  “It’s just smart business sense for companies to give their customers what they want.”

As part of its campaign to persuade Roundy’s to label its store-brand products for GMOs, WISPIRG has gathered more than 3,000 petitions from consumers.

“Consumers expect transparency from the brands they trust to feed their families,” noted Lucia von Reusner, Shareholder Advocate at Green Century Capital Management. “Labeling GMOs is the logical step for any company hoping to win today’s increasingly informed and sophisticated consumer.”

“GMO labeling is a common-sense solution that will help Roundy’s customers know what’s on their plates,” concluded Prudent. “On the anniversary of Whole Foods’ commitment, it’s time for Roundy’s to do the same.”

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WISPIRG, the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group, takes on powerful interests on behalf of its members, working to win concrete results for our health and our well-being. www.wispirg.org.