Info from email received: Sat, 1 Jan 2000 06:41:13 GMT
The following document, from Weetabix Ltd, is a lesson in how to implement a truly GM-free policy - and how to treat customers as intelligent human beings rather than fob them off with corporate flannel such as, "all our products contain ingredients which meet the regulatory standards for safety".
The document also describes the steps that Weetabix Ltd have taken to completely eliminate GM ingredients, derivatives and enzymes from their cereal products. It's an eye opener because it shows how many ingredients and processes have to be taken into consideration in the drive to go GM-free.
Weetabix Limited, Burton Latimer, Kettering, Northants, UK, NN15 5JR
Genetic Modification Ingredient Changes
"This document outlines some of the changes that were required to ensure all ingredients are free from any Genetic Modification. None of those detailed contained genetically modified DNA, however it was felt that we should remove all connection with genetic engineering.
1. GM-derived soy oil, used to lubricate fruit, was changed to a non-GM rapeseed or coconut oil.
2. Soy-derived lecithin emulsifier was replaced by rapeseed/linseed alternative.
3. Wheat flour replaced wheat starch made with GM enzymes. Where this was not practical, non-GM enzymes replaced the GM enzymes.
4. Folic acid contained a bulking agent made with a GM enzyme. This was changed to an alternative made with non-GM enzymes.
5. Vitamin B12 had a mannitol (dextrin) carrier derived from GM maize. This was changed to a maize-free derivative.
6. Vitamin D3 had been encapsulated with soy-based oil or a maize starch dust. This was changed to vitamin D2, which did not raise these issues.
7. Some blended vitamins had a sucrose carrier where the sucrose was derived from maize starch. An alternative of wheat or potato starch was found.
8. Sweet whey is a by-product of cheese making, which uses the GM vegetarian enzyme chymosin. An alternative was found which was not GM yet still suitable for vegetarians."
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SPREAD THE WORD. Please send copies of this document to food manufacturers (especially cereal manufacturers such as Kellogg and Nestle) as it demonstrates what can be achieved if a company puts its mind to removing "all connection with genetic modification."
Note: Weetabix are still, of course, a "processed food" company - as opposed to organic or wholefood; so chemical and pesticide residues are therefore still an issue. But at least they are GM-free once more.
THANKS. If you would like to thank Weetabix Ltd for taking the lead on this
vital issue, and for ensuring that children's cereals remain truly GM-free, please write to Richard Ongley, Weetabix Ltd, Burton Latimer, Kettering, Northants, NN15 5JR, Phone 01536 722181, fax 01536 726148.
(Thanks to Clair at GM-Free magazine for contributing to this text)