US infant formula group Abbott Laboratories has launched what it claims to be the “first and only” GMO-free infant formula from a “leading” manufacturer, Similac Advance Non-GMO.

The product is not replacing any existing products. Abbott continued to insist GMO ingredients are safe but said the launch comes in response to growing consumer concern over GMOs in foods.

“We’re a science-based company and, to us, the science on GMO ingredients is clear – they’re safe,” said Chris Calamari, general manager of US pediatric nutrition at Abbott. “We also pay attention to what our consumers want. We agree with the US Federal Drug Administration that GMO ingredients are safe; however, a growing number of moms and dads asked us to create a non-GMO option for them and we have.”

Similac Advance Non-GMO has the same ingredients as Similac Advance, Abbott said. Some of the ingredients in the non-GMO option are simply from different sources – from crops not genetically engineered.