Chili power

You know how I feel about fast food. I’ve ranted about it enough times by now. So it might shock you that I have something good to say on the subject today.

In fact, this latest development is downright groundbreaking.

It seems that while other popular restaurants–I’m looking at you, McDonald’s–have just come around to posting calorie counts, Chipotle Mexican Grill has taken their commitment to transparency one giant leap further.

Recently, the popular fast food chain started labeling all the GMO items on its menu online. (Check out their ingredients statement.)

As you can see, the prime offenders are soybean oil and corn–the two darlings of Big Agriculture. And unfortunately, you’ll find these ingredients in roughly half of Chipotle’s menu items.

But for a fast food chain to disclose this information, while we’re still fighting with the FDA over GMO labeling requirements, is a pretty big deal. Especially since the company claims that the long-term goal is to remove GMO ingredients from the menu altogether.

Of course, this is just the latest move toward consumer-friendly food service on Chipotle’s part. They already provide their customers with pastured dairy and responsibly raised meat. They also use local, organic produce when they can.

For a huge national chain, I have to say, I’m impressed.

The bottom line? Every once in a while, the inevitable happens. You’re stuck late at work, traveling all day, or simply jumping from one appointment to another. And you’ve got to eat something on the run.

Next time you find yourself in this situation, consider giving Chipotle your business.

Their loaded burrito still won’t do your body any favors. But a serving of barbacoa or carnitas over a bed of romaine lettuce, smothered with salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese will fuel you up in a pinch. Without a generous helping of GMOs, antibiotics, or hormones.

No, it’s not as healthy as what you’d make in your own kitchen. And I certainly don’t recommend eating at Chipotle on a regular basis.

But if sunflower oil is the worst thing in your occasional fast food bag, you’re doing OK.

Source:
Satran, Joe. “Chipotle starts labeling GMO ingredients on its website menu.” The Huffington Post. 18 June 2013.