Survey Shows That Moms Want to Know What's in Our Food

RICHMOND, British Columbia, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of 566 moms across the country commissioned by Nature's Path, the number one organic cereal manufacturer in North America, reveals there's something that has many moms re-thinking the food they feed their families: 90 percent would want Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) clearly labeled, and that might make them change the way they shop.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111017/LA87232 )

The survey found that most moms (80 percent) feel confident they know what's in the food they're putting on the table each day, and for seven in ten that's due to the detailed ingredient labeling on products.  However, the reality is that not every aspect of a food's ingredients is shared – namely, GMOs, also called genetically engineered ingredients.  

According to the survey, close to half (45 percent) of mothers have never heard of genetically engineered ingredients.   Obviously, these moms wouldn't know to seek out GMO labeling; however, once they learned what GMOs are, an overwhelming majority – nine out of ten moms – think it's important for brands to indicate whether such ingredients are used in their foods.

GMOs are made from crops that have had their DNA modified with genes from other plants, animals, viruses or bacteria in a laboratory.  They may be in up to 80 percent of the packaged food we eat (1), but there is presently no law requiring that they be labeled.    

"We're not sure how GMOs will affect our health because there haven't been any long term studies to date.  That said, in 30 countries around the world there are significant restrictions or outright bans on GMO foods, because they're not considered proven safe," says Arjan Stephens, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Nature's Path.  "This is cause for concern for many consumers, and why more and more are demanding labeling in the U.S."

If brands were required to indicate whether genetically engineered ingredients were used to make their food, the survey found:

• Many moms (59 percent) would want to learn more about these ingredients
• 46 percent would be left feeling worried about the effect they would have on their health and that of their family
• Some (38 percent) might even consider switching to a brand that doesn't include genetically engineered ingredients
• 33 percent might not feed that food to their family at all

After learning more about genetically engineered ingredients, more than half (52 percent) of moms surveyed think that one of the three most important things products should show on their labeling is an indication that a food is free of such ingredients. This is far greater than the less than one third (31 percent) of moms who felt the same before receiving information on genetically engineered ingredients.   This is not surprising since more than half (52 percent) of moms think genetically engineered ingredients would have a negative impact on their health and that of their families.

"We believe everyone has the right to know what's in their food, and this survey shows that moms want information," continued Stephens.  "We are committed to not only providing products that are the best choice for avoiding genetically engineered ingredients, but to educating consumers and working to make mandatory labeling a reality."

Nature's Path is a founding member of the Non-GMO Project, and voluntarily submits all products to rigorous, independent testing so they that can bear the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal, letting consumers know they are the best choice to avoid GMOs.  For more information, click here or visit www.naturespath.com and click on Non-GMO Movement.

About Nature's Path

Founded in 1985, Nature's Path Organic Foods is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia and employs more than 350 people at its four facilities in Canada and the United States.  The privately held, family-owned company produces breakfast foods and snacks sold in specialty foods stores and retailers in 40 countries around the world.  The company's innovative brands include Nature's Path®, Flax Plus, EnviroKidz®, and Optimum®.  Visit Nature's Path online at www.naturespath.com and www.facebook.com/naturespath.  For the latest news and updates, follow us on twitter: @naturespath and @envirokidz.  

Did you know?:  Nature's Path recently purchased 2,240 acres of fertile Saskatchewan farmland while partnering with local organic farmers on a cooperative crop-share basis. This represents our latest initiative to increase organic cropland and support family farms.

Editors' note:  Nature's Path believes that sustainability is where our future lies as a people, a society and a company and we endeavor to minimize our ecological footprint while striving to maintain social, environmental and financial integrity.  This means that as a company, we do our best to create systems that reduce the unnecessary use of resources.  Thus, most of the communication you receive from us will be electronic, but we are happy to send anything you request in hard copy form as well.  

(1) According to the Grocery Manufacturers' Association

SOURCE Nature's Path