Food Safety Network

Labelling of Genetically Modified Foods:International Approaches

01.jun.01, AGCare Backgrounder, AGCare Backgrounder

Canada

Genetically modified foods must be labelled in cases where the modification has resulted in potential health or safety concerns such as a nutritional or compositional change or an increase in potential allergenicity. In such cases, the labelling must indicate the nature of the change: the method by which that change was achieved (i.e., through genetic modification) is not required. This is consistent with Canada’s regulatory approach, which focusses on the properties of the product, rather on the process through which the product is developed.

 Manufacturers can choose to label products to provide information regarding the presence or absence of genetically modified ingredients, so long as the information is factual and neither misleading nor deceptive. Currently, the Canadian General Standards Board is in developing a standard for voluntary labelling through a multi-stakeholder consultative process that includes representation from consumer, industry, producer and general interest groups.

 Canadian food retailers have agreed to delay marketing of foods with GM or non-GM claims until the CGSB Standard is completed in order to ensure that the information offered to consumers through such labelling claims is clear, consistent and meaningful.

United States

The U.S. requires mandatory labelling of genetically modified foods in cases where there are health or nutritional concerns (similar to Canada). In January 2001, the USDA released Guidance for Industry: Voluntary Labeling indicating Whether Foods Have or Have Not Been Developed Using Bioengineering. [‘Bioengineered’ foods are defined as foods derived from plant varieties developed using rDNA technologies. Plants genetically modified through other techniques are excluded from the labelling protocol outlined in the document.]

 The draft guidance document is not binding, but is designed to provide assistance to manufacturers who want to label, and provides examples of acceptable and unacceptable wording.

  European Union/UK

Foods that contain 1% or more of measurable DNA or proteins created as a result of genetic modification must be labelled. Ingredients that are obtained from GM crops, but which do not contain novel DNA or protein do not need to be labelled. As a result, highly refined products such as oils, sugars and starches from genetically modified corn, soya and canola are considered non-GM by EU Standards.

 When initially introduced (1998), EC labelling regulations excluded minor ingredients such as food additives, flavourings and processing aids. Amendments introduced in 2000 require labelling for additives and flavourings in cases where such ingredients are not equivalent with traditional products (i.e., contain novel proteins or DNA as a result of genetic modification).

 Exemptions:

­ Foods obtained from GM crops, but which do not contain novel DNA or proteins (oils, sugars, starches etc. from GM soy, corn, canola)

­ Unintended presence of GM material up to 1%

­ Foods obtained from crops that have been genetically modified through techniques other than recombinant DNA

  Australia/New Zealand

Mandatory labelling requirements have been announced and will take effect in December 2001. Labelling will be required in cases where foods have altered characteristics, such as changed nutritional values, or when foods contain novel DNA or protein as a result of genetic modification.

 Exemptions:

­ Foods obtained from GM crops, but which do not contain novel DNA or proteins (oils, sugars, starches etc. from GM soy, corn, canola)

­ Food additives and processing aids (unless novel DNA or protein is present in the final food product)

­ Flavours (when present at less than 0.1% in the final food product)

­ Food prepared at point of sale (restaurants)

­ Unintended presence of GM material up to 1%

­ Foods obtained from crops that have been genetically modified through techniques other than recombinant DNA.

  Japan

In late March, 2001, Japan’s Health, Labour and Welfare ministry issued guidelines for the mandatory labelling of food products containing GMOs. The labeling regulations will apply to rDNA ingredients if the ingredient is one of the top three food ingredients by weight and composes at least 5% of the total weight of the product. Labeling is not required on packages less than 30 cm2. Food products containing up to five percent of approved biotech crops such as corn and soybeans can be labelled as non-GMOs.

 Exemptions:

­ small packages (less than 30 cm2 )

­ known GM products that comprise less than 5% of the finished product

­ animal feed

­ food products in which DNA or protein resulting from gene alteration cannot be detected using existing technologies (so corn, soy, canola oils, etc. are not GM, even if derived from GM crops)

­ foods obtained from crops that have been genetically modified through techniques other than recombinant DNA

  Korea

Effective June 13, 2001, the Korea Food & Drug Administration will require labeling on processed foods that use soybean, corn or soybean sprout enhanced through biotechnology.

­ Labelling is required only in cases where GM corn, soybean or soybean sprout is among the top 5 ingredients of a processed food product. Minor ingredients are exempted from labelling requirements.

­ Foods that do not contain novel DNA or proteins as a result of genetic modification are exempted from labelling requirements, even if ingredients were derived from GM crops.

­ Products derived from GM crops other than corn or soybeans, and crops that are genetically modified through processes other than rDNA technologies, are exempt from labelling requirements: however, labelling of potatoes and potato products will be required as of March 2002.

­ “Labelling as ‘Non-GMO’ or ‘GMO-free’ is permitted only if a product is 100 percent free of any biotech components. ‘Non-GMO’ or ‘GMO-free’ labelling is subject to a maximum threshold allowance of 0 (zero).”

 Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry also requires labelling for commodity shipments of corn, soybeans and soybean sprouts if the shipment is destined for direct consumption and if it contains a biotech-enhanced component of three percent or higher.

  Taiwan

­ announced late 1999: 5 year grace period for implementation – mandatory labelling of processed foods containing GM corn and soybeans by 2005

­ 5 percent threshold for labelling – only those foods with 5% or more GM content will require a GM designation

  Hong Kong

In February 2001, the Hong Kong government proposed that food containing more than 5% GM materials should be labelled:

­ Under proposals developed by HK government, the food industry will be encouraged to voluntarily label its GM products, or legislation will be brought in to make labelling mandatory

­ public consultation process currently underway

­ concerns expressed by HK government, which has suggested that the new labelling regime should ensure that the supply and cost of food would not be adversely affected.

­                 according to Hong Kong’s Secretary of the Environment and Food Bureau, implementation of labelling requirements is at least two years away