Walmart to Sell Monsanto GE Sweet Corn

CHICAGOThe Chicago Tribune is reporting that Walmart Stores, Inc., the worlds largest retailer, will sell Monsantos genetically engineered sweet corn that is currently being harvested in the Midwest. Monsantos Roundup Ready GE sweet corn, which will be used primarily in frozen and canned corn products, as well as fresh corn on the cob through retailers, is borer and rootworm resistant and glyphosate tolerant.

After closely looking at both sides of the debate and collaborating with a number of respected food safety experts, we see no scientifically validated safety reasons to implement restrictions on this product," said Wal-Mart representative Dianna Gee.

Last year, a coalition sent a petition to 10 of the top national retail grocery chains ad food processors asking them to reject the use of Monsantos genetically engineered sweet corn. The petition was sent to national retail grocery stores, including Walmart, Kroger and Safeway, and top canned and frozen corn processors including Birds Eye and Del Monte.

General Mills and Trader Joes have already indicated that they will not be using the Monsanto GE sweet corn in their products.

Labeling of genetically engineered foods currently is not required in the United States; however, voters in California will have their say about that in November election. If passed, California's Proposition 37, known as the Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act, would be the first law in the nation requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods.

If the measure passes, foods not exempt will be required to carry the label disclosure "genetically engineered," and it is prohibited from then using the terms "natural," "naturally made", "naturally grown" or "all natural" on its label. Prop 37 also would allow for any California citizen to file a lawsuit against companies in violation of the labeling requirements.