Health

Whole Foods to Label All Genetically Modified Foods

Expect to see new labels in 2018.
Expect to see new labels in 2018. Photo: Whole Foods

By 2018, Whole Foods will be the first retailer in the United States to label all of its genetically modified foods. But will the label turn out to be a Scarlet Letter? Though the requirement will provide transparency to concerned consumers, it may mislead others to think that genetically modified ingredients are unhealthy and end up hurting farmers. The Food and Drug Administration, American Medical Association, and World Health Organization have all deemed genetically modified products safe. It’s unlikely that other grocery stores will follow this lead, as labeling is less of a risk for Whole Foods because it carries so many private-label and branded products. And as expected, this health endeavor has financial benefits, too: A.C. Gallo, the company’s president, said that some manufacturers who’ve labeled their products have seen an increase in sales. [NYT]

Whole Foods to Label All Genetically Modified Foods