Mayonnaise is ubiquitous in American cuisine. So much so that in 1957 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set a legal definition for mayonnaise. While not technically mayo, according to the FDA, Kraft Miracle Whip is one of the most popular condiments in the US and is frequently used in potato salad, coleslaw, deviled eggs, and even the more refined Waldorf salad. Most mayonnaises, including Kraft Miracle Whip, contain genetically engineered ingredients, specifically oil and vinegar made from genetically engineered crops, and eggs from factory farmed chickens raised on genetically engineered feed.
Genetically modified ingredients, referred to as GMOs or GE, have never been proven safe for consumption. GMOs are designed to go hand-in-hand with harmful pesticides, such as glyphosate (Roundup), 2,4-D, and dicamba. This has created superbugs and superweeds, immune to these chemicals, that in turn need heavier and more toxic herbicide application, polluting vital soil and water resources. Additionally, the World Health Organization recently designated glyphosate and 2,4-D as probable carcinogens.
That’s why GMO Inside has been calling on the biggest mayonnaise brands to phase out GMOs. Thanks to pressure from consumers, Hellmann’s recently launched three mayo options made without genetically engineered ingredients—one is even certified organic. But Kraft has been dragging its feet.
We are now asking Kraft to remove all GMOs from Miracle Whip, and listen to consumers who demand more organic and certified humane products.
How can Miracle Whip improve?
By phasing out all genetically engineered ingredients. We would also like to see Kraft source eggs with the highest humane certification, provide consumers with organic products, and work with suppliers to reduce toxic synthetic pesticides throughout the supply chain over the next five to eight years.
Wondering how Miracle Whip compares to other mayo brands? Check out the mayo scorecard!
What are the problems with Miracle Whip’s ingredients?
GMO Ingredients – The actual ingredients in Kraft Miracle Whip are: water, soybean oil, water, high fructose corn syrup, vinegar, modified cornstarch, eggs, salt, natural flavor, mustard flour, potassium sorbate as a preservative, paprika, spice, dried garlic. All items in bold are likely genetically engineered, or produced with GE ingredients.
Factory Farms and Animal Welfare – Kraft sources eggs from confined animal factories where abuse runs rampant, including debeaking young female chicks, feeding them mostly genetically engineered crops, depriving them of natural habits, not allowing them enough floor space or access to pasture, and killing male chicks upon hatching.
Public and Environmental Impact – Large-scale factory farm operations produce more than just eggs; they are also breeding grounds for disease and pollution. Large hen facilities house hundreds of thousands of animals in each structure which can result in salmonella. As seen in other concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) for pigs and cows, chicken CAFOs produce high levels of ammonia and higher levels of waste than can be disposed of in a timely and environmentally responsible manner. These operations pollute the air and water and harm the health of the animals and farmworkers.
* For our purposes, the term mayonnaise includes mayonnaise and mayonnaise-like products known as salad dressings that contain either whole or powdered eggs.
