Del Monte Foods has announced that it is following in the footsteps of other major food companies, like Campbell Soup and General Mills, and converting to non-BPA packaging. The move comes as more American consumers are attracted to ''natural'' products, in particular non-GMO and BPA-free goods.
Del Monte said it would move away from BPA packaging starting with the company’s fruit and tomato products, and nearly 100% of its vegetable products in May.
In recent years, consumers have been concerned about the presence of BPA, or Bisphenol A, in bottles and food packaging due to studies which have shown that the chemical can lead to health problems including cancer and brain damage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration however says that BPA at current levels is safe.
Del Monte also announced that it would move away from GMO, or genetically modified crops. On Tuesday 29 March the company stated that not only would vegetables, fruit cups and most tomato products be non-GMO, so will added ingredients used as sweeteners and soybeans. About 154 products will be non-GMO, and they will be labelled as such.
“These moves, which represent a majority of the company’s products, come as a direct response and commitment towards meeting the evolving preferences of many consumers,” Del Monte’s press release stated.
