UK retailers relax rules on GM poultry feed
Three major British grocery chains have ended their bans on providing genetically modified feed to chickens.
Sainsbury's, the Co-operative Group and Marks & Spencer cited short supplies of non-GM feed as the reason for the change.
A Co-operative Group statement released Monday said it is no longer "feasible" to insist on non-GM feed.
It said the amount of genetically modified crops grown worldwide has increased rapidly in recent years, making it "increasingly difficult" to find a secure, guaranteed supply of non-GM soya for use as animal feed.
The move has been criticized by UK environmental groups but Marks & Spencer spokeswoman Liz Williams said the chain is not aware of any negative customer response.
She said sales have not been affected by the switch, which took effect in mid-April.
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