General Mills Removes GM Ingredients From Cheerios

An “avalanche” of food companies is likely to follow the lead of General Mills in removing genetically modified (GM) ingredients from its iconic cereal brand, Cheerios, according to industry observers. The company stresses that it did not buckle under pressure, but instead simply acknowledged what consumers wanted. General Mills will substitute non-GM cornstarch and sugar. The change does not affect other varieties of the brand, including Honey Nut Cheerios. An industry analyst says the company is "testing" the market on a brand that is relatively easy to rid of GM organisms. The main ingredient of Cheerios – oats – cannot be genetically modified. Both Whole Foods Market and Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant have pledged to reduce GM content in their products.