Kellogg Co. plans to begin labeling products that contain genetically modified ingredients.

WASHINGTON — Kellogg Co. and Mars, Inc. have joined General Mills in announcing plans to begin labeling products that contain genetically modified ingredients.

Mars, Inc., McLean, Va., said it will introduce “clear, on-pack labeling” on its products that contain genetically modified ingredients nationwide, in accordance with Vermont’s mandatory G.M.O. labeling law that takes effect in July. Mars’ brands include M&M’s, Skittles, Snickers, Twix, Dove, Combos and Uncle Ben’s.

“We firmly believe G.M. ingredients are safe,” the company said in a statement on its web site. “Food developed through biotechnology has been studied extensively and judged safe by a broad range of regulatory agencies, scientists, health professionals, and other experts around the world.”

Mars said it will introduce “clear, on-pack labeling” on its products that contain genetically modified ingredients nationwide.

Battle Creek, Mich.-based Kellogg released a statement to Food Business News revealing plans to label products to be sold nationwide as “Produced with Genetic Engineering” as early as mid-April, in order to comply with Vermont's labeling law, "until a federal solution is reached." Kellogg’s brands include Froot Loops, Special K, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts and Pringles.

"At Kellogg, we strongly believe in transparency, and that people should know what’s in their food and where it comes from," said Paul Norman, president, Kellogg North America. "We continue to strongly urge Congress to pass a uniform, federal solution for the labeling of G.M.O.s to avoid a confusing patchwork of state-by-state rules...

"Transparency is more than just a label, and we have invested in many ways to make it easy for consumers to find information about our food. Most recently, we launched OpenForBreakfast.com where consumers can ask questions about our food — including whether a particular product contains G.M.O. ingredients."

General Mills and the Campbell Soup Co. have also pledged to label G.M.O.s.

Minneapolis-based General Mills made a similar pledge on March 18, and in January, the Campbell Soup Co., Camden, N.J., voiced its support for federal legislation to establish a single mandatory labeling standard for G.M.O.s.

Following General Mills’ announcement, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, Washington, said food companies are “being forced to make decisions on how to comply” to Vermont’s labeling law and “having to spend millions of dollars.”

“G.M.A. member companies such as General Mills are individually deciding how they will comply with the Vermont law, even as the company is working with other food manufacturers, retailers and agriculture groups to continue to push for passage of the federal bill that would protect consumers, farmers and small businesses from a costly patchwork of state labeling laws,” G.M.A. said in a statement. “This announcement should give new urgency to the need for action on a national law when the Senate returns from its recess in April.”