Campbell says it supports federal standard for GMO labeling

Campbell Soup is set to become the first major food company to disclose genetically modified ingredients on its labels. The GMO labels may get consumers on the site, but once they’re there, the Campbell’s uses it as an opportunity to tout other aspects of the company.

As part of its decision support mandatory national GMO labelling, Campbell confirmed it would withdraw from all efforts led by groups and coalitions that oppose it.

The change of heart by the maker of Pepperidge Farm cookies, Prego sauces and Spaghetti-Os marks a break from industry groups that have sought to make labeling voluntary.

Even if there isn’t a law, Campbell Soups will label their products to ship all over the US.

“It is unfortunate that Congress has failed to take action this year to stop a patchwork of costly and misleading state labeling mandates, an issue of tremendous importance to consumers, farmers, food and beverage companies”, she said.

“Campbell is optimistic a federal solution can be established in a reasonable amount of time if all the interested stakeholders cooperate“, said the company that continues to recognize that GMOs are safe. The company did not specify a timeline for doing so.

Still, the number of products stamped with a voluntary “non-GMO” label from a third-party group has proliferated as the issue has gained attention.

Campbell is also calling on the federal government to propose a national standard for “non-GMO” claims made on food packaging. It would use this label on all products that contain GMOs if a federal GMO labeling requirement is not enacted. An image provided by Campbell to illustrate compliance with the Vermont law showed the back of a Spaghetti-Os can with the words “Partially produced with genetic engineering” in small print at the bottom. The U.S. House last summer passed legislation that would preempt state GMO labeling laws, but some Senate Democrats blocked any such provision from being added to the fiscal 2016 omnibus spending bill that passed in December. Campbell, which has purchased Bolthouse Farms and Plum Organics to bolster its premium offerings, would undoubtedly like to recruit more of the health-conscious, GMO-loathing crowd.

Shares of Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) opened at 50.82 on Friday.

Campbell’s also addresses some issues that it’s received criticism or concern from consumers for in the past, including high fructose corn syrup, gluten, artificial coloring, BPA, and MSG.

“We’ve seen consumers’ distrust of big food companies increase”, Mark Alexander, president of Campbell America’s simple meals and beverages division, told investors in July.