Research input helps Commission set new GMO labelling regulations
On 25 July the European Commission adopted a new proposal on the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Europe in a bid to improve consumer confidence and improve the traceability of GMOs in the food chain. The measures will require the tracing of GMOs from farm to table and the labelling of all food and feed derived from or containing a GMO. The legislation proposes a centralised, 'one-size fits all' approach to GMO regulation, with genetically modified products undergoing a single scientific assessment by the European Food Authority (EFA). It introduces specific regulations on GM animal feed for the first time while extending GM labelling to all food and feed produced from GMOs irrespective of whether there is GM DNA or protein in the final product. The accidental presence of up to one per cent of GM material in food and feed will, however, be exempted from the labelling obligation due to the impossibility of ensuring 100 per cent purity during cultivation and processing. The JRC's Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), which will play an important role in the testing of GMO products, recommended the controversial one per cent level following the development of tests which showed that it was impossible to test accurately for GM DNA and proteins below this level. The JRC's Institute for reference materials also has an important role in developing reference materials used in the validation of sampling and detection methods. A spokeswoman for Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin highlighted the importance of the JRC's role, saying: 'If you want to label foodstuffs or feed you have to develop reliable testing - it's an ongoing process.' Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström, a key player in the development of the proposals, said: 'The provisions for traceability ensure a high level of environmental and health protection and pave the way for a proper labelling system. Certainly, there is a cost for the producers and for trade, but what is at stake is our ability to build public confidence. European companies will only be able to seize the opportunities provided by biotechnology if this confidence is established.' Health and consumer protection Commissioner, David Byrne, who was also heavily involved in the development of the new regulations, said: 'These laws will ensure that the regulatory framework in the EU is up to the high standard consumers expect. After that it is for consumers to decide if they want to buy food produced from a GMO. The proposed labelling regime will allow consumers to make that choice...Equally important to me is that for the first time ever we will have clear rules on GM feed in place in Europe, which is a major contribution to providing trustworthy information to farmers on the feed they buy.' Following a scientific risk assessment by the EFA, during which time the public will be able to comment, authorised products will be placed on a register of GM food and feed for a renewable period of ten years. Responsibility for traceability will lie with industry and business operators, who will be required to maintain detailed records of each stage of a product going to market, and transmit this information to others in the commercial chain. The biotechnology industry has welcomed the new proposals, which they hope will reopen the EU market for GM products which has been frozen since the marketing of new GM products was suspended in June 1999. The new proposals are unlikely, however, to receive a warm reaction from the USA, as they may interfere with the next round of global trade liberalisation talks. The US biotech industry is also concerned that the new legislation will force US exporters to implement expensive testing regimes. The proposals, which complete the directive on the deliberate release into the environment of GMOs (90/220/EC), will be debated by the Council and the European Parliament over the coming months and are expected to enter into force by 2003. Two further proposals relating to GM seed will be brought forward in autumn.