Genetically engineered animal feed

As animal feed, GE crops continue to enter our food chain in massive quantities – despite GE being rejected by consumers worldwide. Since products from animals fed GE crops don’t need to be labelled, consumers are unable to recognise or reject them.

Effects of GE feed

Whether grown for human or animal consumption, GE crops pose significant threats to the environment.

The effects on the health of animals forced to eat GE crops – or the humans that consume these GE-fed animal products – are still largely unexplored. Few studies have been undertaken into the impacts of GE feed on farm animals. In those studies conducted, some cases reveal indications of significant disruption to normal bodily functions. In other cases, the farmers themselves have identified animal health problems after using GE feed.

For both animals and humans, there is evidence to suggest that genes can be transferred from the food we consume into our gut bacteria. This is of particular concern with the possible transferral of antibiotic resistant genes in certain GE crops.

Some GE crops have been identified as potentially allergenic and thus not suitable for human consumption, but have been released into the food chain for use as animal feed only. The 'starlink' scandal erupted in the USA when GE corn approved only for feed use was found in food products throughout supermarket shelves. The discovery of 'starlink' corn in Taco shells and other products triggered a $1 billion product recall.

Going GE-free in animal feed

Both in Australia and abroad, many food companies and retailers have gone GE-free in animal feed. However, in Australia, the poultry industry is the single largest user of GE in the country. Our True Food Guide requires any food producer listed in the green section to guarantee their ingredients come from animals raised on non-GE feed.