Genetically modified food additives and flavourings to be labelled
Food additives and flavourings that have been genetically modified or are produced with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will need to be labelled to notify final consumers in the EU of their genetically manipulated content from early April 2000. Food additives and flavourings are not covered by other EU legislation on genetically modified foods: 'It is important that consumers should also be informed of the use of additives or flavourings that have been genetically modified or have been produced through genetic engineering as they are already informed of the presence of other ingredients containing or produced from GMOs', says the European Commission. The Commission is also concerned that some Member States have served notice of their intention to impose national legislation on labelling for consumers: 'Such provisions are likely to create new obstacles to intra-Community trade', it says. The Commission has therefore now published a Regulation on the labelling requirements for foodstuffs and food ingredients that have been genetically modified or contain GMOs. These labelling requirements will be based on scientific assessment.