Does this mean that Annie’s Cheeseburger Skillet meal, made from organic pasta and non-GMO ingredients, will soon become an unhealthy stew of trans fats, MSG, and the artificial flavors found in Hamburger Helper’s Cheeseburger Macaroni? Will future versions of Annie’s cute little cheddar bunny crackers contain Franken-ingredients like the de-germed yellow corn meal found in GM’s Chex Mix? MORE: What The FDA’s New “Gluten-Free” Label Really Means Probably not. GM may be the home of Lucky Charms and Totino’s Pizza Rolls, but it also owns the organic and natural brands Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and Larabar. Food experts say there’s no reason GM woul pay millions of dollars for these trusted brands jut to destroy them. Of course, GM could make subtle ingredient changes that would slowly de-healthify its natural and organic brands to save money. But retailers believe that, so far, this hasn’t been the case. David Clark, COO of online grocer Door to Door Organics, says despite being owned by General Mills for 15 years, Cascadian Farm and Muir Glen products still meet Door to Door’s standards, which include having no trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, growth hormones, or artificial flavors or colors. He hopes the same will hold true for Annie’s. Whole Foods and other naturals retailers also have stringent product standards and are likely to give Annie’s labels extra scrutiny in the future. Any big changes, and Annie’s may soon find itself an orphan, with no natural foods store shelves to call home. MORE: 10 Weird Organic Food Facts
