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The move is in response to an appeal for UK supermarkets to back strong regulation of new gene-edited crops and animals.
The #NotInMySupermarket campaign is a response to the current UK government consultation on removing regulations and labelling from plants and animals in the food chain created using a new experimental genetic engineering technique called ‘gene editing.’
A joint letter, organised by Beyond GM and Slow Food UK, calls for UK supermarkets to respect the wishes of their customers. It also asks the retailers to suppor strong regulation of genetically-engineered crops and foods and refusing to stock unregulated, unlabelled gene-edited foods in their stores.
In response, Co-op chief executive, Jo Whitfield, said: “Genetic editing is one of several new technologies and innovations that may in the future help us to address the challenges facing our global food system. However, as with any new technology, it is important citizens are assured about food safety and the environmental and economic impacts are thoroughly understood before any decisions on widespread adoption are made.
“To this end, scrutiny by independent scientists and officials, as well as engagement with civil society, is essential. We would expect government to clearly set out how it intends to regulate gene editing, whilst providing clear conditions of use and any labelling requirements. We have no current plans to change our policy on prohibiting genetically modified organisms, which includes organisms produced by gene editing.”
Beyond GM and Slow Food UK said they are currently in talks with a number of other supermarkets.
Shane Holland, executive chairman of Slow Food in the UK, said: “The Co-op is reassuring the majority of the UK public – who don’t want GMO/gene-edited foods on the shelves – that their wishes are respected. I am certain that they will gain a competitive advantage over other stores in doing so.”
