Controversy has been fast and furious regarding fast food chain Chipotle’s announcement that it is now using only non-GMO ingredients in its food. Chipotle is the first major U.S. restaurant chain to do so.
“There is a lot of debate about genetically modified foods,” Chipotle founder and co-CEO Steve Ells says in a statement announcing the move.
“Though many countries have already restricted or banned the use of GMO crops, it’s clear that a lot of research is still needed before we can truly understand all of the implications of widespread GMO cultivation and consumption. While that debate continues, we decided to move to non-GMO ingredients.”
But the fast food chain has been criticized heavily for the move in print and online, as many say it is simply a marketing tactic that will only increase misunderstanding of GM technology and further promote pseudoscience.
Chipotle just went GMO-free — a savvy move to impress Millennials http://t.co/vmSTXlTBXD pic.twitter.com/1YwXNgU86L
— FORTUNE (@FortuneMagazine) April 27, 2015
This, this, this, and more this. (Or “Why I’ll be boycotting Chipotle for boycotting GMOs.”) http://t.co/mCjrQtWnp7
— Jeff Wilser (@jeffwilser) April 28, 2015
So after all the hype, it turns out Chipotle is still using "weedkiller-drenched" sunflower oil… just not GMO! https://t.co/wdfTqfJaFZ
— Mark Lynas (@mark_lynas) April 28, 2015
Chipotle will stop serving GMO foods — despite zero evidence that they're harmful http://t.co/ChKZFARl0K pic.twitter.com/vqTkuchRsw
— Vox (@voxdotcom) April 28, 2015
#Chipotle eliminates #GMO ingredients: Why is it on the non-GMO bandwagon? via Slate http://t.co/eDeCDJfzJx
— Ryan Goodman (@beefrunner) April 28, 2015
Ironic to me that Chipotle's announcement today also clarifies that they have been serving #GMO crop ingredients up to this point.
— Greg Peterson (@gregpeterson33) April 27, 2015
Chipotle goes GMO-free, solidifies position as chain doing most to fatten up the nutritionally confused
— David H. Freedman (@dhfreedman) April 27, 2015
https://twitter.com/mem_somerville/status/592514141077778434
