US-based natural and organic food retailer Earth Fare has removed ingredients with genetically modified organisms (GMO) from more than 500 of its products.

With plans to launch additional products over the next six months, Earth Fare claimed to include only non-GMO ingredients after two years of research and development.

Earth Fare chief merchandising officer Justin Jackson said: “Our Earth Fare brand products allow us the unique opportunity to control our food products from raw ingredient sourcing to the store shelf.

“Customers want to be educated and informed, and this meticulous tracking of what is in our food and how it is sourced not only provides a confidence level in our products, but also leads to cost savings that we pass on directly to our customers.”

The firm has recently launched a campaign urging Americans to choose healthy food, and its Food Philosophy ensures that hundreds of harmful chemicals and ingredients are not used in the products.

“Our Earth Fare brand products allow us the unique opportunity to control our food products from raw ingredient sourcing to the store shelf."

The Food Philosophy includes a set of quality standards that prohibit the use of high fructose corn syrup, bleached or bromated flour, administered antibiotics or growth hormones as well as artificial fats, trans-fats, colours, preservatives and sweeteners.

Through this move, the firm intends to meet customer demands for more non-GMO options and incorporate local produce such as meat, beer, wine, dairy products and speciality items.