Chipotle Makes History by Becoming First Fast Food Chain to Tag GMOs

Producers claims to use ingredients from food that is naturally raised with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce it.

Let's face it, it's good to be first, at least if you happen to be the first to do something worthwhile. In the ongoing debate about the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food, Denver, CO-based Chipotle Mexican Grill made what may turn out to be an important food history "first" in the United States.

The chain, who operates more than 1,450 restaurants across the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, recently revealed that since March, the ingredients of their menu items have been labeled. In this case, "ingredients" also includes GMOs. This makes Chipotle the first American fast food chain to voluntarily display the presence of GMOs in its products.

According to Chipotle's spokesman, reaction to the identity of the chain’s ingredients has not affected sales. "If anything, it engenders more trust when you're more forthcoming about the food you serve," he said. Chipotle is going beyond labeling GMOs, they also intend to eliminate them from their ingredients as much as possible. Yet, the chain's new labeling won't win high marks with diners looking for total transparency since it is only available on the restaurant's website, and not on their in-store menus.

With their vision of "Food With Integrity," Chipotle clearly tries to "walk the talk." In a news release this month that touted their plans to serve more than 15 million pounds of locally grown produce this year, the chain also reminded the public of their efforts to use ingredients from food that is naturally raised with respect for the animals, the land, and the farmers who produce it.

Source: http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/46137/print