Greepeace Truefood Guide

Genetically engineered (GE) or genetically modified (GM) ingredients or foods are those that have been altered at a cellular level to give one or more positive characteristics. It is a polarizing subject, with many in the food industry believing it is a safe and logical progression in food production, whilst others strongly believe that it is potentially unsafe as we do not know the long term effects and implications.

The Greenpeace Truefood Guide 2010 was launched as part of the Sydney International Food Festival. It rates more than 1000 of Australia’s most recognized brands for the presence of GE ingredients.

“The 2010 Truefood Guide is the biggest guide ever, as the Australian food industry answers consumer calls for GE-free food,” Greenpeace GE Campaigner Rochelle Porteous said. “It is the only comprehensive shopping guide that empowers Australians to avoid GE ingredients.”

“Opinion polls show the majority of consumers don’t want to eat GE food and 90% want it labelled,” Ms Porteous said. “In the coming months Greenpeace will campaign to ensure the recently announced COAG food labelling review protects consumers’ right to chose safe, non-GE food and doesn’t leave Australians eating in the dark.”

The first Greenpeace Truefood Guide was released in 2003, and since then more than half of the major food brands have implemented non GE policies. This means they are committed to not using GE ingredients wherever possible. However with NSW and Victoria now having small amounts of GE Canola being grown commercially, it will be in food products this year; including; pasta sauces, baby food, bakery goods and margarines.

It is certain that the issue of GE will remain as a major debate in the future. For more information about GM/GE go to www.foodstandards.gov.au