Campbell Soup willing to be pioneer on GMO labeling

Campbell Soup, a staple of American kitchens for decades, says it is willing to say on its labels whether its products contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) -- a first among big American food producers.

The manufacturer famous for its red and white cans immortalized by Andy Warhol, said it is willing to act on its own with such labeling, even if the federal government does not force it to do so.

Some US states, such as Vermont, California or Maine, already have GMO labeling rules. But Campbell Soup wants national legislation.

"Campbell is optimistic a federal solution can be established in a reasonable amount of time if all the interested stakeholders cooperate," the company said in a statement late Thursday.

"However, if that is not the case, Campbell is prepared to label all of its US products for the presence of ingredients that were derived from GMOs."

Campbell said GMOs are safe but it called on the authorities to issue a national rule on mandatory GMO labeling to keep consumers better informed.

"The company continues to oppose a patchwork of state-by-state labeling laws, which it believes are incomplete, impractical and create unnecessary confusion for consumers," it said.

Campbell Soup, which posted $8.1 billion in revenue last year, offers an array of products ranging from processed foods to energy drinks.