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Known for its marketing tactics, Chipotle has recently made another bold
move.
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Not often (read “never”)
have I been skeptical of the ingredients that make up my food. It may be a perk
of growing up with a connection to agriculture, or maybe it is a trusting
attitude towards the measures and regulations that food has to go through so it
can be put on the market. On the other end of the spectrum, there are groups of
people that want to know what exactly they are eating for the sake of their
health, the health of their children, and the health of the environment. In my
opinion, people with these concerns deserve to have truthful information
provided to them so that they can make informed choices.
So what is the issue? The
issue is what information people accept, and what they challenge. Instead of
doing research over genetically modified organisms, a very hot issue in
agriculture right now, groups prefer to have them labeled on food packaging or
removed from food altogether, regardless of what they are. Chipotle Mexican
Grill, who garnered national attention in 2013 for showing what items on their
menu contained GMO ingredients, has made another bold move by recently removing
GMO ingredients from their food menu altogether. Chipotle states on their
website that they are dedicated to sourcing “the highest quality ingredients,”
and according to them, GMOs somehow fall short of that mark. The company
describes one genetic modification as capable of producing pesticides and
insecticidal toxins. With words like these, it could make anyone hesitant to eat
anything that produces pesticides.
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Don’t worry, this guy’s job isn’t a part of your food!
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The reality? The crop
produces a protein, found even in organic pesticides, that deals with insects,
and has shown not to be harmful to humans in any way. So why is Chipotle set on
removing any hint of genetic engineering from their food?
One of the main reasons the
chain provided for removing GMO ingredients was to appeal to customers who
choose to avoid them. So instead of providing helpful information so that those
who are cautious can be informed, Chipotle is now perpetuating the fear that
exists around genetic modification. I decided to give the company the benefit
of the doubt when they provided links for those wanting to know more about
GMOs, though my feelings were quickly reversed when this list of
“informational” websites included links to groups that were dedicated to
convincing the public about not using GMOs.
Where are the groups
dedicated to shedding a truthful light on GMOs? Where are the people that are
answering questions with first-hand experiences, giving those who are skeptical
a source that can be trusted? While many in the agriculture sector like to give
Chipotle flak on their stance towards food, could we better spend our time by
promoting honest agriculture, the real “food with integrity?”
As stewards of the land,
farmers are the ones who need to speak up for it, not restaurant chains. We all
have the opportunity in our life to tell our stories, so why not tell our food’s
story? Talk to those who are concerned for their children, or are concerned for
the ground that the crops get planted in. Connect with them, and provide them information.
Do you have questions of
your own? Let us know!
Until next time,
Chance Hunley
