Hy-Vee Reaffirms Stance Against Genetically Engineered Seafood

Despite last week’s decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to grant permission for genetically engineered salmon to be sold in the United States, Midwestern grocery chain Hy-Vee has no plans to alter its position against purchasing or selling genetically modified or genetically engineered seafood.

“It is Hy-Vee’s intent to sell seafood that is safe for consumption and harvested or raised in a responsible manner,” the West Des Moines, Iowa-based grocer declared in a statement. “Hy-Vee is committed to selling high-quality seafood that also is harvested or raised in a manner that provides for its long-term sustainability while minimizing damage to the environment and other sea life. In order to protect marine resources and ensure future seafood supplies, Hy-Vee strongly believes that genetically engineered seafood has no place in its stores.”

Consistent policy

Genetically modified and genetically engineered seafood products are inconsistent with Hy-Vee’s seafood procurement policy.

Hy-Vee’s commitment to not sell genetically engineered seafood also is highlighted on the Friends of the Earth pledge website.

Hy-Vee has been nationally recognized for its seafood sustainability efforts. For example, it was ranked third out of the 25 largest supermarket chains in the United States in the 2015 Carting Away the Oceans (CATO) report by Greenpeace.

Hy-Vee Inc. operates 240 retail stores in eight Midwestern states.