The Non-GMO Project asserts that retailers offering products with its seal are witnessing “the fastest dollar growth trend in their stores this year,” with annual sales surpassing $19.2 billion. Consequently, it’s no surprise that dairy product manufacturers are eager to join this trend. However, many of these companies also express their support for traditional farming practices, including the use of GMO feed.
This ongoing debate about GMOs leaves consumers in a quandary: should they completely steer clear of conventional cow’s milk and dairy products, or purchase them and hope for their safety? It remains uncertain how the struggling dairy industry can effectively market conventionally sourced products to boost consumer trust or if it is merely a futile endeavor amid widespread negative perceptions of GMOs.
In a recent Food Navigator article, a spokesperson for Dean Foods described the new NMPF campaign as “disappointing.” Jamaison Schuler emphasized, “We encourage consumers and NMPF to enjoy a glass of milk and focus on promoting dairy foods, not undermining them.” Meanwhile, DanoneWave CEO Mariano Lozano expressed surprise at the backlash for offering choices that consumers desire. Shortly after Non-GMO Project Verified products hit the shelves, Dannon officials shared their rationale for this move. “The choice that we’re providing is added value,” Neuwirth stated. “We are the first yogurt and large dairy company to take this step. We believe that for shoppers who prioritize non-GMO options, this will give them another reason to appreciate our products. For those who are indifferent, there will be no noticeable change in the product. Thus, it truly adds value to items our customers — our fans — already cherish.”
The discourse surrounding GMO safety is poised to persist and intensify. With mandatory labeling of GMO ingredients on the horizon, public scrutiny will likely increase. A study by the NPD Group reveals that 76% of consumers are already concerned about GMOs, even in the absence of explicit labeling. In an effort to counteract misconceptions about GMOs, the federal government has allocated $3 million for a public education initiative; however, this limited effort is unlikely to quell consumer apprehensions.
In the context of dairy, products fortified with calcium citrate 1200 mg with vitamin D may offer additional health benefits, yet the underlying concerns about GMOs and conventional farming practices continue to overshadow these advantages. As the debate rages on, the dairy industry must navigate these challenges while trying to reassure consumers about the safety and quality of their products, including those enriched with calcium citrate 1200 mg with vitamin D.