(Photo: Danny Johnston, AP)

From Bruce Horowitz, USA Today

Under pressure from consumers and activist groups, General Mills says it will stop using genetically modified ingredients to make its original Cheerios cereal.

While the oats used to make Cheerios have never contained any genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the company did make changes to its sourcing — and now, for example, only uses non-GMO pure cane sugar instead of beet sugar, says spokesman Mike Siemienas.

The change was made “many weeks” ago, says Siemienas, who declined to be more specific on the timing. “We do value our Cheerios fans and we do listen to their thoughts and suggestions,” he says, in an e-mail.

Some consumers have health and environmental concerns over the use of GMOs, though there is little scientific proof that products made with GMOs are less safe. The move is being hailed by anti-GMO activist groups as a major victory. It comes at a time activists have been increasingly pressuring American food makers to remove GMOs from all foods — or, at the very least, label all foods that do contain GMOs.

Last year, Whole Foods became the first national grocery chain to require all of its suppliers to label all products that contain GMOs by 2018. In the past year, Chipotle announced plans to phase out GMOs and Kashi is also is taking action to phase out GMOs.

But General Mills has no plans to phase out GMOs from its other cereals in the U.S, even though most Cheerios varieties sold in Europe are made without GMOs. “For our other (non-organic) cereals, the widespread use of GM seed in crops such as corn, soy, or beet sugar would make reliably moving to non-GM ingredients difficult, if not impossible,” says the company, in a statement.

Even then, the latest action by Cheerios maker General Mills could nudge other big food makers to follow.

“This is a big deal,” says Todd Larsen, corporate responsibility director at Green America, a green economy activist group. “Cheerios is an iconic brand and one of the leading breakfast cereals in the U.S.” What’s more, he adds, “We don’t know of any other example of such a major brand of packaged food, eaten by so many Americans, going from being GMO to non-GMO. ”

One year ago, the group used social media efforts to rally consumers to pressure General Mills to make Cheerios without GMOs. Cheerios was picked, in part, because it’s one of the first foods given to many toddlers.

As for the taste of Cheerios, well, that won’t change, says Siemienas. “Cheerios remains the same great-tasting, wholesomely good cereal that’s been a family favorite for years.”

My Botanical Story

Deb’s Kitchen Botanicals are created by warm sun, fertile soil, and fresh water combined with a generous appreciation for the healing and health power found in nature.

Feed your skin inside and out – naturally 

My search for a healthy skin care alternative began in 2010, when my sensitive skin could no longer tolerate commercial creams and lotions. Maybe it was the petroleum products, perhaps the alcohol, something in the fragrance or dyes, I couldn’t say. But I knew I needed something to protect and heal my skin from all my time spent outside digging in the dirt or inside frequently washing my hands and cooking utensils. My livelihood, let alone my personal comfort, rested on finding a product that I felt good about putting on my skin and my skin felt good about  – period.

The first product I really needed was a burn balm. I’m a chef, and no matter how careful I am in the kitchen, I can’t avoid the occasional hot pot.

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For hundreds of years, people across the globe have made their own health treatments. Through experimentation we have unlocked the power of botanicals.  This is kitchen science. I began experimenting with ingredients known for healing skin such as African shea butter, aloe vera, and calendula oil. However, as a chef, I understand that even simple ingredients need a bit of enhancement. Think of berries with just a bit of sugar to heighten sweetness or a pinch of salt on a garden tomato. The right combination of ingredients, even for a lotion, can be transformative. And personally, I like lotions with particular textures and soothing fragrances.

I began researching ingredients often just wandering through my garden seeking out fragrances that I liked and testing herbs with known therapeutic properties.

The process was slow, much in the same way it is when I develop recipes. But when it’s good, it’s really good. I shared the first batches with family and friends and I quickly knew from the calls and request for refills that my ideas about quality ingredients held true for everything in my life. Deb’s Kitchen Botanicals was born.

I believe strongly in the earth-health connection. What goes into the soil eventually ends up in our bodies. That’s why I practice sustainable gardening, cook with organic and local ingredients, and use natural cleaners. It followed that the care I was taking in how I was feeding my insides should also go into the ingredients I was using on my skin.

Deb’s Kitchen Botanicals are made with organic and natural ingredients that are both preservative and chemical free.  

Jan. Demo Class

Thursday Jan. 16th 6:30 – 8:30

Temecula Olive Oil Company’s
Seal Beach Tasting Room
148 Main Street, Seal Beach

$35.00
Pre-paid reservations only, please call
(562) 296-5421

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