Genetically Modified Organisms

Due to the introduction of genetically modified crops and gene editing technologies into our food system, and the lack of mandatory labeling regulations, it has become difficult to know for certain if foods are truly free of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Honest Weight recognizes that our shoppers are concerned about the potential negative health and environmental effects of GMOs. They expect to be able to find products that are free of GMOs in our store and we are endeavoring to meet that expectation to the best of our abilities. In addition, we feel we can strongly influence vendors and regulatory agencies to label GMOs if we band together with other co-ops.

Because there is little accountability for erroneous labeling regarding the actual content of GMOs on the product packaging and the existing law is very ambiguous, HWFC requires that our suppliers, including distributors, be required to disclose any information that they know about the GMO content for the products we are purchasing.

We strive to provide education and information that allow our customers to make informed decisions. GMO-containing products arriving at HWFC will be clearly identified after January 1, 2018. During this next year, management will develop a method of providing information regarding GMO content that will be accessible and visible to all.

In order to influence the regulation of GMO labeling, we are no longer knowingly accepting NEW non-organic products that include GMO high-risk items in their ingredient list, unless they are verified by the Non-GMO Project or can provide a detailed description of the measures taken to avoid GMO contamination. Be aware that non-organic products that bear the Non-GMO Project Verified label may still contain glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup, as a result of pre-harvest desiccation. This new policy applies to all ingestible products.

Non-organic crops at high risk for being GMO include, but are not limited to:
Canola
Corn
Cotton
Soy
Sugar Beets
Papaya (from Hawaii)
Zucchini
Yellow Summer Squash
Apples (non-browning

Non-organic ingredients derived from crops at high risk for being GMO include, but are not limited to:
Amino acids
Artificial Flavoring
Ascorbic Acid
Aspartame
Citric Acid
Corn Starch
Ethanol
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Lactic Acid
Maltodextrin
Molasses
Monosodium Glutamate
Natural Flavoring
Natural Spices
Sodium Ascorbate
Sodium Citrate
Soy Lecithin
Spices
TVP (textured vegetable protein)
Vitamin C
Vitamin Capsules
Xanthan Gum
Yeast Products

Animals and Fish at high risk for being genetically engineered include, but are not limited to:

Salmon (In 2015 the USDA approved GE salmon, which will be marketed as “farmed salmon”)

This policy does not apply to animals that are fed GMO feed, only to animals that are themselves genetically engineered. CAFO meat and farmed fish are most frequently fed GMO feed.

Information taken from Honest Weight Food Co-op's Food and Product Manual Adopted 1/29/17