In England, a bag of tortilla chips sports a label announcing "no GM [genetically modified] ingredients." But in the United States, where over 60 percent of processed foods contain a genetically altered ingredient, GM labeling is not required, and consumers remain largely unconcerned about it.
Farmers are pleased with genetically modified seeds resistant to pests or weed killer, and scientists are excited about advancements in genetic engineering that could improve public health. But in the recent glare of publicity focused on biotechnology, some consumers are beginning to view genetically modified foods with mounting suspicion.
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Campbell Soup Company became the first of a series of food companies targeted by a coalition of consumer and environmental groups, including Greenpeace, the Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth, who urged it to stop using genetically modified ingredients in its products. Campbell stands by its products as safe and stressed it meets all government food safety and labeling requirements for biotech foods. The company said it has no intention of dropping its genetically modified ingredients.