Waitrose and genetically modified products

What is biotechnology?

Most of our food comes from crops or livestock bred specifically for food production. Over the years farmers and growers have selectively bred crops and animals, primarily to improve yields, but also to identify these with particular characteristics such as flavour, texture, colour or shape. These characteristics are determined by genes, passed from one generation to the next.

The term 'biotechnology' refers to any technological application that uses living organisms to modify products for a specific use. Biotechnology in the form of traditional fermentation techniques has been used for decades to make bread, cheese or beer. It has also been a basis of traditional animal and plant breeding techniques.

Using genetic modification ('modern biotechnology') it is possible to take a single gene and insert it in a plant to give a desired characteristic. Agricultural crops, such as soya and corn, have been genetically modified for greater productivity or for resistance to pests or diseases. The technique has also been used in the production of crops with special characteristics suitable for use in packaging, adhesives, fuels, vitamins, vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

Potential risks

Concerns about the new technology include its potential effects on the environment, such as unintended changes in the modified crops and possible impacts upon other species such as bees and butterflies. By transferring its genes to wild relatives, a genetically modified crop could become more invasive than the original.

Potential benefits

Supporters of the technology argue that it promises advances in medicine, agriculture and other applications. It could lead to more secure food supplies, decrease the pressure on land, allow better crop yields in inhospitable environments and reduce the use of water and pesticides in agriculture.

Legislation

Legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has been in place in Europe since the early 1990s.

It has now been extended to strengthen the approval process and to cover animal feed as well as food. The requirements for traceability and labelling have been revised. All food and animal feed which contain or are produced from genetically modified (GM) ingredients or additives must be labelled as such. However, the regulations recognise that tiny quantities (less than 0.9%) of GM material might find their way into 'conventional' crops during cultivation, handling, storage and transport, and allow for the presence of this material provided that effective systems are in place to separate GM from conventional varieties.

Meat from animals fed on a diet containing GM material does not require GM labelling.

The Waitrose approach

Ingredients

Waitrose continues to obtain food and food ingredients for Waitrose brand from 'conventional' (rather than GM) sources and to transport and process them in a way designed to prevent accidental mixing with GM material. This system is regularly inspected by food technologists and backed up by laboratory testing. Waitrose does not sell under Waitrose brand any GM crops or food ingredients derived from GM crops. Any manufacturer's brand food products produced from GM material must be clearly labelled as required by law.

Animal feed - the GM story so far

Soya and corn are widely used as a source of the high class protein which is essential in the feed to produce strong healthy animals.

The cereals used to produce the feed and any feed supplements for organically reared animals (for meat, poultry, eggs, game, fish and milk) are obtained through an independantly audited supply chain. Organic standards do not permit the use of genetically modified (GM) material.

Our suppliers of farm reared non organic poultry, eggs, fish, Dorset & New Zealand lamb and Hereford & Aberdeen Angus beef obtain feed in accordance with a protocol which specifies that conventional (rather than GM) cereals will be used.

We will continue to monitor the animal feed supply situation and provide information to customers so that an informed choice can be made.

In summary:

• We do not allow the use of GM crops, or ingredients or additives from GM crops in Waitrose brand food.
• All food and ingredients used in Waitrose brand food products are obtained from conventional crops.
• The use of genetically modified seed is not permitted in any crops for Waitrose brand products.
• GM material is not allowed in the feed of organically reared animals. For current information about animal feed refer to Customer Services, tel: Freephone 0800 188884 or email customer_service@waitrose.co.uk.
• The term 'modified starch' describes starch physically or chemically treated for food product preparation, often as a thickener. It does not mean that it has been genetically modified.