Monrovia, Calif.-based Trader Joe's has agreed to ban genetically modified ingredients in its private-label products. The company is the first large chain to ban such ingredients, much like natural foods markets Whole Foods and Wild Oats have done.

As stated in a company press release, "Effective immediately, the company will work with any new vendor to product private-label products for Trader Joe's without genetically engineered ingredients. Our goal for existing private-label products is to have all such products reformulated, if necessary, and certified within one year." The retailer will randomly test products to verify ongoing compliance of their vendors.

Because there is no recognized U.S. government standards regarding the labeling of genetically engineered foods, the company encourages customers to write their congressional representatives, the FDA, and the USDA to voice their opinions about the issue.