Labeling requirements of Labeling requirements of Genetically modified foods Genetically modified foods

A.M.S.L.Atapattu

IntroductionIntroduction

To inform consumers the product is GM or not To reduce the information asymmetry between

sellers and buyers Proposed by the US Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) in 2001 Proposed by the European Union’s regulation in

2003

Does the labeling tell if the food is GM?Does the labeling tell if the food is GM?

Two types of labeling Pro mandatory labeling Cons mandatory labeling

The current labeling policyThe current labeling policy

US Food and Drug Administration currently require labeling of GE foods if the food has a significantly different nutritional property

Examples of voluntary labeling under Examples of voluntary labeling under FDA guideline FDA guideline

1. GMO free or Not genetically modified

2. This cantaloupe was not genetically

engineered

1. We do not use ingredients produced

using biotechnology

2. This oil is made from soybeans that

were not genetically engineered

3. Genetically engineered

4. This product contains cornmeal that

was produced using biotechnology

5. This product contains high oleic acid

soybeans oil from soybeans developed

using biotechnology to decrease the

amount of saturated fat

Pro-labeling ArgumentsPro-labeling Arguments

Right to know what’s in their foodTo identify and steer clear of food For religious or ethical reasons

Anti-labeling Arguments Anti-labeling Arguments

Health effects , whereas no significant differences

To fulfill the desires of some consumers would impose a cost on all consumers

Who want to buy non GE food already have an option to purchase organic foods

Could not currently accommodate the need for segregation of GE and non GE

Who want to avoid animal products no need to worry about GE food

Examples of labeling requirements Examples of labeling requirements under EC regulation under EC regulation

1. GM plant

2. GM seed

3. GM food

4. Food produced from GMOs

5. GMM used as a food ingredient

6. Alcoholic beverages which contain a

GM ingredient

7. Products containing GM enzymes

where the enzyme is acting as an

additive or performing a technical

function

8. GM feed

9. Feed produced from a GMO

10. Food containing GM ingredients that are sold in catering establishments

1. Food from animals fed GM animal feed2. Food produced with help from a GM enzyme 3. Feed additive produced from a GMO

Labeling Attributes Labeling Attributes

Text disclosure on biotech label Biotech logo Location of a biotech logo

Thankyou