In the EU (where Hain has a strong presence) any intentional use of GM ingredients at any level must be labeled although GM processing aids (enzymes etc) and meat, milk or eggs from animals fed on GM feed are excluded.
However, there is a 0.9% threshold for the adventitious (accidental), presence of GM material in non-GM foods.
Adopting the same system in the US would give consumers the opportunity to make more informed choices, claimed Hain, which has a leading position in the natural and organic products market with brands such as Celestial Seasonings, Garden of Eatin, Rice Dream and Linda McCartney.
The Company supports consumers' right to choose
It added: “Hain Celestial… today publicly announced its endorsement of the mandatory labeling of food products containing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in accordance with international standards, citing its long compliance with those requirements adopted in Europe and other international markets.
“The Company supports consumers' right to choose and make informed purchase decisions. Accordingly, Hain Celestial endorses ballot and petition measures that establish clear and appropriate parameters for compliance, communication and enforcement.”
Asked whether it was in favor of controversial Californian GMO labeling proposal Proposition 37, a spokeswoman said: “We favor the system adopted in Europe.”