This could just be the beginning: This weekend Chipotle announced it will serve only GMO-free foods. No more ingredients from genetically modified crops will be on the menu -- starting today!
This isn't too surprising, coming from Chipotle. The chain has built a reputation for serving quality food, including meat from animals that aren't raised using synthetic hormones or antibiotics. They've been labeling which items on their menu contain GMO ingredients since 2013. Founder and co-chief executive Steve Ells says:
This is another step toward the visions we have of changing the way people think about and eat fast food. Just because food is served fast doesn’t mean it has to be made with cheap raw ingredients, highly processed with preservatives and fillers and stabilizers and artificial colors and flavors.
The World Health Organization defines genetically modified foods as “foods from organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally." The process is different from traditional cross-pollination, and is highly controversial. Over 90 percent of the corn and soy grown in the U.S. is from genetically-modified plants.
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So, with Chipotle leading the way, will other restaurant chains follow? Don't hold your breath. The New York Times points out that Chipotle only uses 68 ingredients for its entire menu. Other chains use 81 ingredients just for a burrito. The more ingredients you're using, the harder it is to manage where they all come from.
But this big change does reflect that more of us are becoming aware and concerned about what goes into our food. Those who can afford it have more GMO-free options now. Hopefully in time the idea will catch on and having that option will be more affordable for everyone.
Do you go out of your way to choose GMO-free foods?
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