May 14, 2013
Some UK retailers remove restrictions on GM poultry feed
Sainsbury's, the Co-operative Group and Marks & Spencer have ended their bans on providing genetically modified feed to chickens and cited short supplies of non-GM feed as the reason for the change.
A Co-operative Group statement released Monday (May 6) said it is no longer "feasible" to insist on non-GM feed.
It said the amount of genetically modified crops grown worldwide has increased rapidly in recent years, making it "increasingly difficult" to find a secure, guaranteed supply of non-GM soy for use as animal feed.
The move has been criticized by UK environmental groups but Marks & Spencer spokeswoman Liz Williams said the chain is not aware of any negative customer response.
She said sales have not been affected by the switch, which took effect in mid-April.