Serge Papin, former CEO of Système U, answered Thursday at the Agricultural Show to cross questions from the # SauverLePresent coalition on the Agriculture Show. Now a consultant for large retailers, he is convinced that in the absence of a legal obligation, the sector should mention so-called hidden GMOs. According to him, the brands could benefit from it.
85% of endives are GMOs. Most consumers ignore it. What can large retailers do?
SERGE PAPIN. This is abnormal! When I was still running System U, we made a commitment not to market any product derived from GMO seeds. We can be fooled but in principle, there are controls, traceability which allows us to know where the product comes from. Sometimes information can be hidden. If soybeans that come from Brazil with GMOs are used to feed animals, it can for example be difficult to spot it ... But in broad terms, mass retailing may require GMO-free. She has teams to do it, she has the power and the power to do it. It can demand it and commit to its consumers not to market any product derived from these techniques.
At the controls of System U, you had banned GMOs. Did you have to remove big brands from your shelves?
No, we were only committed to our private labels.
The problem with so-called hidden GMOs is that consumers and producers do not know that they exist ... Can we carry out genetic tests?
Large-scale distribution has substantial quality services and has the means to carry out tests at random. If a distributor's requirement is to say no to GMOs, including those that are called hidden, there may be penalties for violators. If it becomes involved, large retailers will then be obliged to set up means of control.
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How to inform consumers?
There should be labeling on the products. In another register, bosses of large distribution undertook to clearly list the ingredients. Including prepared meals for which it is not compulsory. Often the European standard which is the force of law is more permissive than what happens in France. And I would even say that if a brand commits and communicates it, it will take away a singularity, that will reassure its customers. It is therefore a choice that can be a winner.
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