Whole Foods announces full transparency for food labels by 2018

The argument for more accurate and nutritionally transparent food labels continues, with Whole Foods Market announcing that it will properly indicate which of its foods are genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

According to a company press release, the grocery store, which promotes healthy and organic goods, said that all of its U.S. and Canadian locations will have proper food labels by 2018. Whole Foods is the first national food chain to set a deadline for full GMO transparency.

Walter Robb, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, said in the release that along with new labels, his organization will step up its support of certified organic agriculture – where GMOs are not allowed – and continue to offer those choices in the future.

“We’re responding to our customers, who have consistently asked us for GMO labeling and we are doing so by focusing on where we have control: in our own stores,” Robb said.

He added that while it’s important for the national discussion to continue about accurate labels, Whole Foods is committed to moving forward now.

A.C. Gallo, president of Whole Foods Market, explained in the press release that being more transparent in their own labels for natural foods will help his organization ensure customer empowerment. According to Gallo, consumers should be informed so they can continue to make decisions about the foods that are best for themselves.

Whole Foods has been a pioneer in the non-GMO food industry for the last 32 years, with its reliance on organic foods. The U.S. National Organic Standards prohibit the intentional use of GMO seed in the production of organic crops, explained the press release.

Whether or not a food producer relies on organic goods, it is important to design custom labels that are informative and accurate. Investing in a Primera LX900 color label printer can help companies create unique labels that also adhere to federal standards.