When no research has confirmed whether genetically modified Food Labelling is harmful to the human body, environmental protection groups strive for the right of consumers to know whether the food they buy contains genetically modified ingredients, which is what we often hear about “the right to know”. The establishment of a food labeling system can protect the rights and interests of consumers in this regard.
Genetically Modified Food Labelling Policy
Currently, different countries have different genetically modified food labeling policies, and the relevant policies are constantly being revised. Its basic spirit is to protect consumers’ right to know, but there are two ways to actually implement it. The first is to attach labels to all foods containing genetically modified ingredients. In addition, in order to avoid the negative image of genetically modified food caused by the mandatory labeling system, if the genetically modified food sold in the market can pass the safety test, only those genetically modified foods that are not substantially equivalent to the original varieties are required to be labeled.
Implementation of Food Labelling Policies in Foreign Countries
International efforts are being made to establish a uniform labeling policy for genetically modified food. At present, the genetically modified food labeling policies implemented in various regions mainly include:
North America Food Labelling: Genetically modified foods are not substantially identical to the original variety in terms of composition, nutrition or chemical composition, and are required to be labeled. For more research Click Here.
Europe: Since 1998, EU countries have mandated that all genetically modified foods must be labeled. In addition, from April 2000 onwards, grocers are required to add labels to foods containing more than 1% genetically modified substances. However, before implementing the new policy, each member state must revise its domestic legislation on genetically modified food.
Australia and New Zealand Food Labelling: Since May 1999, genetically modified foods that are not substantially equivalent to the original varieties are required to carry labels. The public is being consulted on the new revised standard to change the legislation to require all genetically modified food to be labeled.
Asia: Japan has drafted legislation to require, from April 2001, that food products containing genetically modified substances in designated 28 types of food must be labeled. This legislation also applies to genetically modified foods that are not substantially equivalent to the original variety. However, oil and soy sauce are not regulated. In addition, South Korea also announced that from March of the same year, genetically modified corn, soybeans and bean sprouts must be labeled.
Situation in China and Hong Kong
In the early 1990s, the Ministry of Health of China promulgated a decree that all “new resource food”, including genetically modified food, must undergo a safety assessment by a special committee and must have a label on the package before it can be placed on the market. sell. But legislation on genetically modified foods is still under study. For more health tips visit our site ArticlesHubs.
According to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Chapter 132 of the Laws of Hong Kong, all food intended for sale in Hong Kong must be fit for human consumption. This regulation applies to all foods, including genetically modified foods. Some foods sold in Hong Kong also contain genetically modified ingredients, but these foods have been certified as safe for human consumption by the manufacturers and regulatory agencies of the origin.
The Food Labelling and Environmental Hygiene Department is exploring in depth the feasibility of establishing a genetically modified food labeling system, and will refer to the relevant laws of other countries, the cost of implementing the labeling system and the impact on the food industry and consumers, the actual implementation of the relevant requirements and testing methods and so on. A public seminar will be held to collect views from the public and the industry on the policy.
This article is reviewed by the consultant doctor of this site. May you can see about Are Genetic Foods Safe.
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