NEW YORK (PRWEB) — On July 2, organic farming advocate, Philippe van den Bossche, commented on the U.S approval of requiring labels for meat from animals that were fed a diet free of gene-modified products.
According to the June 20th article published in the New York Times, titled, “U.S. Approves a Label for Meat From Animals Fed a Diet Free of Gene-Modified Products,” it is the first time that the Agriculture Department (USDA), which regulates meat and poultry processing, has approved labels stating non-GMO claims. According to the article, meats that were certified by the non-GMO project came from animals that “never ate food containing genetically engineered ingredients like corn, soy, and alfalfa.”
The USDA allows companies to demonstrate on their labels that they meet “third party standards, as long as the third party organization and the company can provide that it is truthful and not misleading,” said Cathy Cochran, a U.S.D.A spokesperson.
The labeling of foods showing the absence or presence of genetically engineered ingredients is one of the most controversial issues in the food business today. Currently, about two dozen states are “mulling labeling requirements and the biotech industry is fighting back with intense lobbying.”
The article goes on to say that more and more companies are voluntarily labeling their products. Chipotle, a popular restaurant chain, now clarifies which menu items contain genetically engineered ingredients.
The U.S.D.A. scrutinized the Non-GMO Project’s standards, requirements and auditing processes before giving its approval. Claire Herminjard, founder and chief executive of Mindful Meats, which makes meat products from organic dairy cows says,“It has to approve every single label that goes out into commerce, but this sets a precedent for other meat and poultry companies that want to label this way.”
Philippe van den Bossche, CEO and Chairman of Advancing Eco Agriculture, agrees with the labeling of non-GMO products because it will make people aware of what they are buying and eating. “In today’s age, everyone wants to know what ingredients are in their food. Using non-GMO labels approved by the U.S.D.A. will allow consumers to easily partake in an organic diet and do so with ease.”
Philippe van den Bossche is an impact entrepreneur and investor and Chairman/ Owner of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), a leading organic agricultural and horticultural consulting and manufacturing company located in Middlefield, Ohio. AEA provides consulting services and specialty nutritional materials to farms throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. van den Bossche is an advocate for organic farming and agriculture.
