General Mills Drops Genetically Modified Ingredients From Cheerios

Came under pressure from activist groups

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.