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European pols approve GM labeling rules, US farm groups complain (July 8, 2002 -- CropChoice news) -- The European Parliament last week voted in favor of draft legislation requiring labels for all foods containing more than 0.5 percent genetically modified ingredients and the traceability of all foods, from field to plate. The proposal is stricter than one that the European Commission promulgated. It called for labeling to kick in at the 1 percent threshold.
Before the rules become law, the governments of the 15 European Union members must agree.
Predictably, the U.S. government and many farm groups expressed dismay at the traceability requirements more so than the labeling provision. Spokespersons from the National Corn Growers Association and the American Farm Bureau told Reuters that the requirement would burden farmers and the grain industry, and that it could lead to the loss of billions of dollars in trade.
Meanwhile, Russia is considering a ban on U.S. imports of genetically modifed corn and soybeans. The agriculture minister who cited the report said that any ban would begin on Oct. 1, the launch date for a new law requring the registration of genetically engineered products. Once registered, products would not be subject to the ban.
Source: Reuters, Just-Food.com | |
