Genetically Modified Organisms a Cause for Concern?
Popular restaurant chain Chipotle announced that it would stop using genetically modified organisms in its food recently, in an online post. The restaurant has in the past disclosed its use of genetically modified corn and soy in the tortillas, corn salsa and cooking oil and will now be the first to stop using crops made from GMOs.
Chipotle explained in a statement on its website that using GMOs doesn't mesh with the company's values.
"Chipotle is on a never-ending journey to source the highest quality ingredients we can find. Over the years, as we have learned more about GMOs, we've decided that using them in our food doesn't align with that vision. Chipotle was the first national restaurant company to disclose the GMO ingredients in our food, and now we are the first to cook only with non-GMO ingredients," the company explained.
Among the reasons that Chipotle listed against the use of GMOs, it noted that the use of certain pesticides and herbicides grew significantly as GMOs have risen in popularity. Because crops, such as corn, alfalfa, cotton and canola, have been genetically altered they can withstand being treated with glyphosate or RoundUp, which will kill other pests without hurting the crops. Additionally, the plants are designed to be resistant to pests themselves.
The restaurant also pointed to a lack of knowledge of the long-term effects of GMOs as another reason why it was no longer using genetically modified crops in its food.
Criticism of Chipotle's move
NPR's The Salt, which covers food news, pointed out that Chipotle's move away from GMOs may be more about marketing than anything else. For example, although Chipotle has announced the end to using GMOs in their food, they'll still be serving soda and meat, which are likely made with GMOs, The Salt noted.
One of the most significant hypocrisies in Chipotle's policy shift is related to glyphosate and superweeds. On its website Chipotle gives a brief explanation about how when GMOs are regularly treated with glyphosate it can eventually lead to the emergence of "superweeds" or weeds that are resistant to glyphosate and other herbicides. To avoid contributing to the production of these "superweeds" Chipotle announced it would switch from using soybean oil to sunflower oil, according to The Salt.
Although these sunflowers aren't GMOs, they're still bred specifically to be resistant to ALS inhibitors. ALS inhibitors are a type of herbicide that prevent plants from reproducing on a genetic level. Sunflower farmers are able to use these herbicides on their crop without worrying about their affect on the sunflowers. This eventually can lead to resistant weeds, similarly to with glyphosate and GMOS.
"Why should Chipotle bemoan the emergence of weeds that are resistant to glyphosate, yet not to other weedkillers?" The Salt asked.
More GMO news to keep coming
Chipotle's GMO news is likely only the latest in what's expected to be many public fights about GMOs. Bloomberg Business reported that the New York legislature is expected to decide on a GMO labelling bill in the near future. It could require companies to label foods whether or not they contain GMOs.
Supporters of the labelling say it will give people better knowledge over what they're eating, while opponents say it will raise food costs and unfairly benefit organic farmers.
The fight in New York follows a similar one over hydraulic fracturing in the state that also pitted environmentalists against chemical companies and industrialists, according to Bloomberg.
GMO-labelling bills failed in California, Washington and Oregon. Opponents to laws in those states were funded by Monsanto – maker of RoundUp and inventor of glyphosate – and DuPont, both which have a stake in GMOs. Labelling laws did pass in Connecticut and Maine, but have not gone into effect yet.
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Susan Massie, Sales & Marketing Director, Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals Email: sue@greyhoundchrom.com
Susan Massie is the Sales & Marketing Director for Greyhound Chromatography and Allied Chemicals, affectionately known as 'Greyhound' in our scientific community. Greyhound was founded by Susan's husband Paul Massie more than 40 years ago, Susan hasn't been in the business for all of that time but has been involved with Greyhound for over 17 years. Greyhound continues to grow, expanding into new markets and taking on the challenges of our ever changing environment. It's heartwarming to witness the world waking up to the fact that we are damaging our planet on a daily basis. Every action we take has a direct effect on our planet and the world we leave behind for future generations. Susan is passionate about climate change and is happy to work in an industry that can have a direct effect on reducing the impact of our actions on the environment. All of the team at Greyhound take our responsibilities very seriously, the products that we supply are used by the world's leading scientists and chemists as they endeavour to monitor and repair the environment. All is not lost, if we all take responsibility for our actions, from reducing our waste and reusing or recycling our material collateral we can make a difference. The internet is full of useful advice and guidance, Susan is proud to contribute to that wealth of knowledge whenever she can.
Greyhound prides itself on personal service which provides prompt, efficient, cost-effective, safe delivery of all products. Greyhound provides technical advice and distribution of Certified Reference Standards and Materials, Laboratory Consumables, Solvents and Reagents across all scientific disciplines. Greyhound Chromatography offers over 1 Million products from its UK warehouse. The team at Greyhound are proud to support the work of the world's leading scientists and chemists as they challenge the abuse of our planet and try to make a difference to the world we leave behind for our ancestors.
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