GENE-ALTERED CORN
IN POPULAR FOOD PRODUCTS
GENE-ALTERED CORN
IN POPULAR FOOD PRODUCTS
Greenpeace today revealed that products made by food giant Quaker Oats contain ingredients from genetically modified (GMO) crops, while most Americans believe that the company would not use these altered foods. Independent laboratory analysis released today show that two Quaker products, Yellow Corn Meal and White Cheddar Corn Cakes, tested positive for GMO corn. Greenpeace also today released a Caravan Opinion Research poll showing that the vast majority of those surveyed trust Quaker not to use GMO ingredients in its products.
“Now we know that when Quaker says, ‘We’re more than just oats’ it means ‘we’re also GMO corn,’” said Greenpeace Genetic Engineering Specialist Charles Margulis. “People have a right to know what is in their food, but Quaker uses these contaminated crops without warning or notice.”
Scientists have recently discovered evidence of the environmental threat of GMO crops. A Cornell University study conducted this May found that a variety of GMO corn killed monarch butterfly larvae. In addition to the two products that tested positive for GMO corn, Quaker makes other foods with corn ingredients, including a new cereal, Golden Goals, which is endorsed by the US soccer federation. “Quaker puts forth a wholesome image, but kids should know that Golden Goals means sudden death for butterflies,” added Margulis. “If the company really cares about consumers and the environment it will stop using genetically modified ingredients.”
Six companies were named in a survey of over 1,000 Americans conducted for Greenpeace by Caravan—fewer people thought Quaker would use GMO ingredients than any other company. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of respondents were not aware that GMO foods are currently on the market, and 62 percent said they were concerned about the environmental or health risks of GMO crops. The Caravan poll found that most Americans would be wary of buying products from companies that claim to be GMO-free outside the U.S. but make no such claim here. Also, 41percent of those surveyed said they would not buy GMO foods if they were labeled, while another 17 percent did not know if they would buy labeled GMO foods. A Time magazine poll earlier this year had similar results, finding that 58 percent of those surveyed would avoid buying GMO food if it were labeled.
Quaker has failed to respond to repeated Greenpeace inquiries regarding the company’s policies on the use of GMO ingredients. For more information:
Racine Hamilton, Media Officer
(202) 319-2435
Charles Margulis, Greenpeace GE Specialist
(202) 319-2446
Copies of the tests and the polling data are available upon request.
Written by: Greenpeace USA
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