EU ministers adopt EC proposals on GM food labelling

22 July 2003 16:16  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--The European Union's (EU) Council of Ministers on Tuesday formally adopted two European Commission (EC) proposals in favour of tougher labelling and traceability of genetically modified (GM) food.

This new legislation means that all foods produced from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be labelled, irrespective of whether there is DNA or protein of GM origin in the final product.

In addition, for the first time, GM animal feed will have to be labelled.

Business operators also need to transmit and retain information concerning the presence of GMOs in products throughout the commercial chain for five years.

Environment Commissioner, Margot Wallstrom, said: "I welcome today's final adoption by Council of the new legislation on labelling and traceability of GMOs, which completes the EU's legislation on GMOs ... By ensuring that GMOs can be traced at all stages in the production and marketing chain, we provide a robust safeguard system and the foundation for a comprehensive labelling system."

Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner, David Byrne, commented: “Consumers will also have a clear choice of products to buy as GM food will now be clearly labelled. For the first time farmers will see labels on GM-feed. Europe will now have a comprehensive and transparent system of authorisation and labelling that can only enhance business and consumer confidence.”

By: Russell Ong
+44 208 652 3214

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