Why GMO free?

Around three quarters of people in Germany reject genetic engineering in the field and on the plate. Surveys confirm this again and again. In fact, the rejection rate has recently risen even further. This explicitly includes the so-called "new genetic engineering" when it is explicitly asked about.

There are many reasons for this rejection. For environmental protection organisations such as Greenpeace, BUND or NABU, the focus is on the cultivation of genetically modified plants. This is because, unlike genetically modified bacteria in closed laboratory systems, the cultivation of genetically modified plants outdoors poses the risk of uncontrolled spread.

Main areas of application for genetic engineering in the food industry

Genetically modified plants or parts of them end up directly in food (e.g. soy lecithin in chocolate bars, corn starch in baked goods or canola oil in margarine).

Genetically modified bacteria produce substances that are used in food or feed (e.g. enzymes, flavors or vitamins).

Genetically modified crops are fed to animals that produce milk or eggs or are processed into meat products.

Proponents of genetic engineering claim that genetic engineering has already permeated the entire food sector and that it is therefore not worthwhile to work for food "without genetic engineering". This is not true.

  • Genetic engineering is avoidable! Food producers can choose to produce "without genetic engineering" and thus meet the wishes of consumers.
  • Food with a "Ohne GenTechnik" label or a corresponding label is subject to:
  • a ban on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) or parts thereof
  • a ban on the use of vitamins, flavors, enzymes and other food additives produced with the aid of genetically modified microorganisms
  • feeding without genetically modified plants. Strict deadlines must be met

For further questions on the "Ohne Gentechnik" label, please refer to our FAQ section.

The cultivation of genetically modified plants has a demonstrably negative impact on the environment. Moreover, health risks for humans cannot be ruled out. The patenting of genetically modified plants and the ban on using part of the harvest as seed for the next year leads to an increasing dependence of farmers on a few large agricultural companies. This is exacerbated by the need to also purchase the appropriate herbicide from the seed developer.

The use of genetically modified crops is therefore not sustainable and harms the environment and people. By contrast, companies that produce their products in accordance with the "Ohne Gentechnik" criteria make an important contribution to a more sustainable way of doing business.

Europe has the strictest labeling regulations for genetically modified foods in the world. Nevertheless, there are also major gaps in EU legislation: Only when genetically modified plants are directly processed into food must this be apparent to consumers through a corresponding note on the ingredients list.

However, almost all genetically modified plants enter food production via the detour of animal feed: chickens, cows and pigs are fed genetically modified plants and we then consume their milk, eggs and meat. However, these products do not have to be labeled according to EU legislation.