GMO worry affects Thai sales

A severe business backlash and the loss of hundreds of million baht in revenue are quickly emerging as Thai consumers voice concern over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) allegedly found in local food products, The Bangkok Post reports. Manufacturers, including the giant Swiss food group Nestle, yesterday rejected Greenpeace's allegations against some of the most popular food brands in the Thai market. Consumers have voiced concerns about the presence of genetically engineered ingredients reportedly found in local food products, though they admit to ignorance about their effects. On Wednesday, the public learned through Greenpeace of claims that seven products found on local shelves included genetically engineered ingredients. They are Nestle's Baby Cerelac; Unilever's Knorr instant cream of corn soup; Nissin Noodle Cup (duck flavour); Vita-Tofu soybean curd; Good Time instant cereal beverage; Lay's Stax and Pringles potato crisps. Except for Lay's Stax and Pringles, which are imported from the US, the remaining items are produced locally. P&G Thailand, a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble, issued a statement conceding the possibility that some ingredients from suppliers may include a mixture of traditional and genetically modified crops that are mixed after harvesting, and are consequently processed together in the manufacture of Pringles. However, the company assured consumers that Pringles were manufactured in only two plants that supplied the world, therefore meeting US FDA approvals. An executive at Frito-Lay Thailand Ltd insisted the company's product was free of GM materials due to the strict policy of Thailand's Food and Drug Administration. While manufacturers stand by the quality and safety of their products, retailers said the news was worrisome , the paper concluded.