Nonprofit urged Abbott to remove GMOs from its products "until long-term safety testing proves GMOs are safe."
Abbott Laboratories shareholders reject proposal to remove GMOs from infant formula
Mark Astley
Dairy Reporter, UK, 30.04.2013
http://www.dairyreporter.com/Manufacturers/Abbott-Laboratories-shareholders-reject-proposal-to-remove-GMOs-from-infant-formula
An Abbott Laboratories shareholder proposal to remove genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) from its natural products - including its Similac infant formula range - has been rejected, the Illinois-based company has revealed.
Last Friday (26 April 2013), Abbott shareholders voted on whether the manufacturer should adopt a policy of sourcing ingredients that have not been genetically-engineered.
The resolution was filed by As You Sow, a non-profit organisation that promotes corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy.
According to As You Sow, Abbott Laboratories uses genetically-modified corn and soy in its popular Similac infant formula range. It urged Abbott to remove GMOs from its natural products including its Similac range "until long-term safety testing proves GMOs are safe."
Abbott is due to announce the final result of the vote in a US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing later this week. However, a spokesperson for the firm revealed to DairyReporter.com that As You Sow's proposal was unsuccessful.
"…based on a preliminary report of the inspectors of election the shareholder proposal on genetically-modified ingredients was defeated -- it received the support of approximately 3% of votes cast," said the spokesperson.
"Removing GMOs from nutritional products like infant formula can only benefit Abbott," said As You Sow CEO, Andrew Behar.
"As new and credible scientific concerns are raised, consumers are demanding to be given a choice in what foods they eat and feed their families. Abbott has an opportunity to lead the industry in being proactive on this important issue," said Behar.
Abbott, meanwhile, urged its shareholders to vote against the proposal, claiming that it is "committed to the safety of its nutritional products."
"As part of our ingredient selection process, it is necessary to consider the availability of ingredient supply," said Abbott.
"The large-scale production of certain genetically-modified crops has made it difficult to obtain enough non-GMO supply to meet global demand."
GMO labeling requirements
More than 60 countries, including Australia, China, Japan, and the 27 European Union (EU) Member States, require GMO labeling. Several US states have also passed or proposed similar labeling laws. However, there are currently no federal regulations regarding GMO labeling.
However, late last week, Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Peter DeFazio introduced a bill that would require the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clearly label genetically engineered foods.
"American have the right to know what is in the food they eat so they can make the best choices for their families," said Boxer.
"The legislation is support by a broad coalition of consumer groups, businesses, farmers, fishermen, and parents who all agree that consumers deserve more -- not less -- information about the food they buy."