Hershey is transitioning out sugar beets for cane sugar because of concerns over genetic engineering. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that currently, the company’s sugar storage is 75% cane sugar and expected to be 100 percent sometime in 2016. For decades, the company had used sugar made from both beets and cane but decided earlier this year to stop buying sugar beets because it comes from genetically modified seeds. Hershey communications director Jeff Beckman confirmed that the kisses and many other products stocked on shelves since Halloween no longer contain beet sugar. The company also is transitioning away from artificial to natural ingredients. No matter how or where the company sources the sugar, it’s still just going to say “sugar” on the product ingredient labels. Beckman said the sourcing switch has nothing to do with the safety of beet sugar, and the company’s website contains references to numerous scientific groups that have concluded that GM sugar is safe to consume. Sugar beet farmers are feeling the impact, losing a top industry customer. Minnesota is the top sugar beet producer in the nation, followed by Idaho and North Dakota.
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