Unilever global position
Unilever supports the responsible use of modern biotechnology within the framework of effective regulatory control and provision of information about its use. The use of this technology to improve food crops can deliver important benefits to mankind and individual applications should be judged on their merits.
Unilever acknowledges that the public’s view of biotechnology (such as the use of GM ingredients) in foods is still evolving and that the debate and public acceptance is at different stages in countries around the world where we sell products. We believe consumers should have the necessary information they need to choose the food they wish to buy. Therefore, we support initiatives such as the toll-free carelines, in-store leaflets, product information via the websites or appropriate labelling regulations.
Unilever companies are free to use ingredients derived from modified crops that have been approved by the regulatory authorities and our own clearance procedures for quality and acceptability.
The decision whether or not such ingredients will be used is made at local or regional level, taking into account public perception, national legislation, availability, costs of alternatives and attitudes of our customers, including the retail trade.
Unilever Local Position Core Statement
We recognise that some consumers may have concerns about consuming products made with ingredients that contain genetically modified material.
In response to this consumer concern, Unilever Australasia confirms that it will not use ingredients that contain genetically modified material, as defined in the Food Standards Code. (i.e. we will not use ingredients that contain novel DNA and/or novel protein; or have altered characteristics as a results of genetic modification).
To support this decision, we have implemented and continue to maintain a program that thoroughly reviews all ingredients to determine the potential for GM implications. This information is used to eliminate, by replacement or reformulation, ingredients that have genetically modified content and to keep a documented trail to support our products not requiring GM labelling.
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