Consumer Reports Finds Genetically Engineered Foods on Shelves

August 25, 1999

Consumer Reports finds genetically engineered foods "already on the shelves" of supermarkets in products ranging from baby formulas and tortilla chips to drink mixes, taco shells and muffin mixes. And the product labels do not include the GMO information. It's not required.

There is no evidence that genetically engineered foods are not safe to eat, Consumer Reports admits. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman has said if consumers want GMO labeling, some type of labeling probably will eventually be required.

Consumer Reports officials bought a variety of processed foods at supermarkets. The foods contained corn or soybeans, "since those crops are the most likely to be genetically engineered." Although none of the foods in the tests were labeled as genetically engineered, DNA analysis showed GMO ingredients in powered infant formulas, several soy burger products, malt powdered beverage mix, bacon flavored bits, tortilla chips, taco shells and a corn muffin mix.

Some scientists have "raised concerns about whether the process of genetical engineering could inadvertently increase natural toxins or decrease nutrients in some foods," says Consumer Reports. "Others fear that some people could have an allergic reaction to one or more of the new proteins in genetically engineered foods."

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union, a non-profit testing and information gathering organization focused on the consumer. In light of what the magazine found on store shelves, Consumers Union is formally calling for labeling of GMO-containing products. Food companies and farm groups have generally opposed such requirements, arguing that they would require product segregation and testing procedures that are not yet commercially feasible or would increase consumer costs.