Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, is adding two new non-GMO infant formulas to its popular Similac product line.
 
Similac Advance NON-GMO is now on store shelves in select Target stores in the U.S., with a more widespread roll-out expected this fall. The company is also introducing a non-GMO, reduced-lactose Similac Sensitive infant formula in August.
 
Similac Advance NON-GMO is the first non-GMO-labeled formula from a leading infant formula brand in the U.S., according to Abbott. The company will still produce its existing line of Similac products, which includes Similac Organic, a USDA Organic Certified, non-GMO formula.
 
In a press release from the company, Chris Calamari, general manager, U.S. Pediatric Nutrition, Abbott, said, “First and foremost, we’re a science-based company. The body of science is clear—GMOs are safe. Our Similac formulas are based on the latest science with the goal of being as close as possible to breast milk—the gold standard. But we also listen to parents who told us they want us to make a non-GMO option.”
 
Consumer demand for non-GMO products if growing on a whole, and many large brands and retailers are looking to catch up. Recently, Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a switch to all non-GMO ingredients without increasing prices; and Whole Foods Market plans to provide full GMO transparency in its stores by 2018.
 
In discussing its decision to offer GMO-free formula, Abbot cited a 2014 “Baby Food and Drink” research study from Mintel that found one-third of women surveyed want to see brands commit to offering non-GMO and organic ingredients as part of their product mix.
 
Green America, Washington D.C., a national nonprofit organization working to create a green economy, issued the following statement in response to Abbott offering non-GMO versions of Similac:
 
“Abbott’s announcement that they are removing genetically engineered ingredients from a version of Similac Advance, followed by a non-GMO version of Similac Sensitive, is an important step forward for the company and an important advance for infant health. Parents are rightly concerned about the presence of GMOs in infant formula, and tens of thousands of parents took action with GMO Inside to ask Abbott to remove GMOs. In addition, Facebook posts on the GMO Inside Facebook page urging Similac to remove GMOs reached several million more people. Consumer pressure was joined by concern from investors working with As You Sow, which highlighted the risk to Abbott of not offering non-GMO formula to parents.
 
In addition to concerns about the health impacts of GMOs, evidence shows that GMOs are increasing the use of toxic herbicides due to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. Most recently, glyphosate, which is commonly used on GMO crops, was deemed a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Parents deserve better for their children’s health and want their children to grow up in a healthier environment as well.  We urge Abbott to make all of its infant formula non-GMO, and call on its competitors to do the same.”