US-based chocolate manufacturer Hershey has decided to use genetically modified (GM)-free ingredients in its chocolate products.
The firm said that its milk chocolate bars as well as chocolate drop 'Kisses' packs would no more contain genetically modified sugar beet or soya lecithin, Daily Mail reported.
Hershey corporate communications director Jeff Beckman was quoted by Daily Mail as saying: "We are leading industry conversations with suppliers and building our manufacturing capabilities to pursue non-genetically modified ingredients.
"This is a long-term journey and we are starting with some of our largest and most popular brands."
The latest development comes on the heels of new initiatives undertaken by a few American states to introduce a law requiring food companies to label the use of GM ingredients on products.
As part of the new decision, Hershey will produce its Milk Chocolate and Kisses using natural vanilla, nongenetically modified sugar and milk from cows that have not been treated with rBST, the growth hormone.
The company said that this move is part of a wider initiative to simplify ingredients used in its products.
Last week, Hershey announced that it will use ingredients that are simple and easy-to-understand such as fresh milk from local farms, roasted California almonds, cocoa beans and sugar.
