GM-feed banned...or is it?

Anti-GM campaigners Greenpeace have claimed a victory, saying that Australia's three top poultry producers have stopped feeding their chickens genetically modified feed, in response to a Greenpeace campaign highlighting the use of GM soy in chicken feed.

"The poultry industry is to be congratulated for acting on consumer concerns," said Greenpeace campaigner John Hepburn in a statement released by Greenpeace.

"This shift sends a very powerful signal to the biotechnology industry and other food companies that GE crops are unnecessary and unwanted."

But a close look at the statements on Greenpeace's website from the three companies -- Inghams, Bartter Steggles and Baiada -- reveals that while the companies are "committed" to sourcing non-GM ingredients for their poultry products, and will use "best endeavours" to source non-GM feed, none of them have indicated that the feedstock used is or will necessarily be completely GM-free.

A statement issued by Baiada managing director John Camilleri in support of Greenpeace's stance, says in part: "We are active in sourcing non-GM ingredients for our poultry products and undertake to source non-GM ingredients for poultry feed where feasible."

Similarly Bartter Steggles marketing manager Andrew Logan indicates that "it is our policy to source non-GM ingredients for our poultry products. We continue to use our best endeavours to source non-GM ingredients for our poultry feed, and to review the sources of processed ingredients with a view to ensure that they are derived from non- GM crops. All non-GM ingredients must be available in commercial quantities, at a sustainable competitive cost and meet our strict quality standards."

And Inghams Enterprises, Australia's largest poultry producer, says in its statement: "The use of GM Soya in feed does not compromise the absolute GM-free status of the poultry products the company produces. Animals that eat feed with a component of GM Soya are no different to other animals that may have been fed a low GM or GM-free diet. This position is verified by numerous feeding studies."

Late last year, the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) ruled that chicken fed GM-grain could not themselves be labelled GM-free, even though the chickens themselves were not genetically modified.