The GM free label
vegetarians have been waiting for

Consumers wanting to avoid genetically modified foods will be able to shop with renewed confidence from August 1st, following the introduction of The Vegetarian Society’s GM-free food approval policy.

Shoppers will be aided by the Society’s symbol, a trusted symbol of vegetarian suitability, which from August 1^st will guarantee that products are also free from GM crops and ingredients.

The GM free policy, first proposed in August 1998, will be active from August 1^st 1999. Food products using the symbol from this date onwards have confirmed and guaranteed their GM free status.

As a result of the introduction of the Society’s GM free policy, the Society has withdrawn its ‘Vegetarian Society Approved’ symbol from 187 products. The Society continues to endorse over 1500 products and is delighted to have now endorsed the full range of products from the Linda McCartney food range. The Society welcomes the support of the Linda McCartney food brand and their commitment to providing quality, vegetarian, GM-free food.

The Vegetarian Society is opposed to the development of GM crops and believes their introduction to the food chain could pose a risk to the environment, animal welfare and human health. The Society is also opposed to all forms of animal testing undertaken during the development of GM foods. The Society is a named supporter of the Five Year Freeze Campaign, co-ordinated by the Genetic Engineering Alliance.

"We are convinced that consumer confidence will be boosted by the arrival of a food label that means not only 100% vegetarian but GM-free. It is encouraging that producers of vegetarian foods now realise that products containing genetically modified ingredients simply won’t sell and are not wanted by the consumer. It’s time for all food companies to tackle this issue and work towards removing GM crops from their foods" said Chris Dessent, Head of Public Affairs for The Vegetarian Society.

The Vegetarian Society’s V symbol approval is based on products meeting four firm criteria. All approved products exclude:

• Animal flesh (meat, fowl, fish or shellfish and all by-products of the slaughterhouse process).

• Products or ingredients which have been tested on animals since 1986.

• Genetically modified products or products containing genetically modified ingredients.

• Battery eggs or any system of egg production other than free range eggs.

The Vegetarian Society exists to promote and provide information on vegetarianism. The Vegetarian Society is a registered charity working to promote a diet that saves the lives of animals, benefits human health and helps to safeguard the environment.