In a UK supermarket first, Co-op has said it will not stock products made from untested and unregulated ‘gene-edited' plants and animals as part of the #NotInMySupermarket campaign.
The campaign comes as Defra launched a public consultation into future regulation on gene editing, which it said could unlock substantial benefits to the environment, produce healthier food and help farmers with crops resistant to pests, disease or extreme weather.
Running until March 17, 2021, the consultation has stirred a mixed reaction from industry.
Organised by Beyond GM and Slow Food UK, a joint letter with more than 50 signatures from UK leading civil society groups, academics and producers, has called on UK supermarkets to oppose genetically engineered foods.
It said surveys had shown consumers were opposed to genetically engineered foods.
However, the industry has been working hard to alleviate public concerns with many people confusing gene-editing with genetically modified (GM), reiterating gene-editing technology is different to food that is GM.
The letter also asked the retailers to show leadership by supporting strong regulation of genetically engineered crops and foods as well as refusing to stock unregulated, unlabelled gene-edited foods in their stores.
Shane Holland, executive chairman of Slow Food UK, said: "The majority of consumers are clear that they do not want genetically engineered plants and animals on the supermarket shelves.
"We are asking stores to respect those wishes and instead concentrate on high quality, high welfare food for which our nation can be proud."
Responding to the letter, Co-op chief executive Jo Whitfield, recognised the role genetic editing could play in helping address the challenges facing the global food system but said it was important citizens were assured about food safety, and that the environmental and economic impacts were 'thoroughly understood' before any decisions on widespread adoption were made.
"To this end, scrutiny by independent scientists and officials, as well as engagement with civil society, is essential," Ms Whitfield said.
"We would expect Government to clearly set out how it intends to regulate gene editing, while providing clear conditions of use and any labelling requirements.
"We have no current plans to change our policy on prohibiting genetically modified (GM) organisms, which includes organisms produced by gene-editing."
Pat Thomas, director of Beyond GM, added: "The Co-op's thoughtful response shows respect for its customers but also for science."
It is understood Beyond GM and Slow Food UK are in dialogue with other supermarkets about the letter.
