This week, Chipotle announced it will remove most foods and ingredients that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) from its menu. Meat will still come from animals who eat genetically modified feed.
GMOs have been a hot-button issue partly because we don’t understand the long-term effects, according to St. Elizabeth registered dietitian, Karah Stanley. Crops are often genetically-modified to protect them from pesticides, which is safe according to the FDA. Critics argue the real problem is the amount of pesticides used on plants.
Currently, Chipotle is the only fast food chain to stop serving GMO foods.
“Many countries have issued bans on GMOs while others have adopted GMO labeling rules,” said Stanley, “The U.S. does not require GMO foods to be labeled as such.”
Chipotle founder Steve Ells said in a statement, “We are changing the way people think about and eat fast food, and that means cooking with the very best ingredients – ingredients that are free of additives – but still serving food that is affordable, convenient, and most importantly delicious,” said Ells in a statement. “That’s really unusual in fast food, but that’s the quest we are on, and we continue to make progress.”
If you’re concerned about GMOs in your food, Stanley’s advice is to, “seek out products that are organic or that are labeled as Non-GMO Project Verified products.”
