Tasty tips on snacking smart

What is genetic modification (GM) or bioengineering?

Bioengineering (or genetic modification) of plants is a process of improving plant characteristics (similar to traditional cross breeding) in an effort to improve their quality and consistency. More than 90% of all corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and canola grown by farmers in the U.S. are developed with bioengineering for more consistent quality and reduction of the use of pesticides. Bioengineered crops also may result in higher yields often with less use of herbicides and pesticides. The result, improved quality resulting in less food waste throughout both the farming and food manufacturing process. There is wide consensus that bioengineered ingredients are safe. Organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the UN World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture have approved biotech crops as safe.

Where does Herr's stand on genetically modified (GM) ingredients?

At Herr's, our number one priority is the safety of the products we produce for our customers. We source our ingredients from suppliers that have the finest quality and consistency of their crops. Many of our ingredients are not bioengineered. For example, all of the potatoes in our potato chips and baked potato chips are currently non-GMO.

We support disclosure of bioengineering on our packaging to comply with all federal regulations so that consumers can be fully informed regarding the products they purchase from Herr’s.

What’s next for GMO labelling?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently developed national standards for mandatory disclosure of GMOs on food packaging using one of three formats: text, a symbol, or electronic or digital link, like the QR code. These standards are being reviewed by food manufacturers and retailers and a final ruling on the wording and timing to put these changes on packaging should be made by the end of 2018.

We know that food safety is paramount to everyone. So while we continue to explore opportunities to offer the latest developments in non-GMO ingredients, we remain committed to delivering to you the safest and best tasting snacks possible.

Most people who enjoy our snacks are surprised to learn that Herr’s potato chips and corn chips are actually much lower in salt per serving than foods like tomato juice, frozen pizza or canned soups. Because the seasoning in Herr’s snacks is on the surface, the salt flavor is higher than the actual salt content—which is generally less than 10% of your recommended daily sodium intake for a 1-ounce serving.

Of course salt in itself is not a bad thing. In the right proportions, it’s an essential mineral that helps to manage the volume of fluids in our bodies. As with most foods we enjoy, the key to enjoying snack foods that contain salt is, balance and moderation. Staying active, managing your stress, eating regular meals and setting aside time to spend with the people you love--as long as you’re treating yourself right, there’s no reason you can’t also treat yourself to something tasty.

Herr’s carefully selects our partners and suppliers to provide the highest quality snack foods to our customers. Over the past 71 years, the Herr’s family commitment has been to work with top rated suppliers approved by the USDA and the FDA to maintain cost efficiency and exceptional quality. Herr’s is supportive of efforts to improve animal welfare and as we continue to advance our work with suppliers in responsible sourcing, Herr’s is committed to using only cage-free eggs in its products by 2025.