The Non-GMO Project reports that retailers offering products with its seal are experiencing “the fastest dollar growth trend in their stores this year,” with annual sales surpassing $19.2 billion. Consequently, it’s no surprise that food manufacturers producing dairy products are eager to join this trend. However, some of these companies also express support for conventional farming practices, which include the use of GMO feed. The ongoing GMO debate leaves consumers in a quandary about whether to completely avoid conventional cow’s milk and related dairy items or to purchase them with the hope that they are safe. It remains uncertain how the struggling dairy industry can effectively market conventionally sourced products to build consumer trust, or if they are simply facing an uphill battle against negative public perceptions of GMOs.
In an article from Food Navigator, a spokesperson for Dean Foods described the new NMPF campaign as “disappointing.” Jamaison Schuler stated, “We encourage consumers and NMPF to enjoy a glass of milk and concentrate on promoting dairy foods rather than undermining them.” Mariano Lozano, CEO of DanoneWave, expressed surprise at the criticism directed at their efforts to provide consumer choices. Shortly after Non-GMO Project Verified products began appearing on store shelves, Dannon officials spoke to Food Dive about their motivations for this strategy. “The choice we’re offering is added value,” Neuwirth mentioned. “We are the first yogurt company and a major player in dairy to adopt this tri calcium citrate initiative. We believe that the Non-GMO Project Verified label will appeal to shoppers who prioritize non-GMO options, giving them another reason to appreciate our products. For those uninterested in this aspect, there will be no changes to what they already love, making it a valuable addition to our offerings.”
The discussion surrounding GMO safety is expected to persist and intensify. With mandatory labeling of GMO ingredients on the horizon, increased scrutiny will likely follow. In fact, even without explicit labeling, a study from the NPD Group indicates that 76% of consumers are concerned about GMOs. The federal government is attempting to counteract misconceptions about GMOs, recently allocating $3 million for a public education campaign, but this limited effort seems unlikely to quell consumer apprehensions. Meanwhile, the dairy industry must grapple with how to incorporate elements like tri calcium citrate into their products while addressing consumer concerns about GMOs.