What are GMOs?
A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is defined as "...an organism in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination..."
Top
How long has labeling genetically modified foods been mandatory in the EU?
EU-wide regulations on labeling have existed since 1997, when the EU regulation on novel foods and food ingredients came into effect. In 2003, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the governments of Member States decided on a new regulation on genetically modified food and feed. This new legislation further expanded labeling rules, replacing the previous novel foods regulation.
Top
When does a product require labeling?
If a food is a genetically modified organism (GMO), it must be labeled. For example: If genetically modified tomatoes (i.e the FlavrSavr tomato) or genetically modified corn on the cob make it to our product shelves, they must be clearly labeled – even when sold loose, without packaging. To date, no such products are on the market. Processed foods and ingredients that are produced from genetically modified plants or microorganisms also require labeling. This has been the case without exception since April 2004, regardless of whether or not a GMO can be detected in the final product. In short: All foods and ingredients that are produced in whole or in part from genetically modified organisms must show this information on their labels.
Top
Do things like flavors and additives need to be labeled?
The same rules for foods and ingredients also apply to flavors and additives. If they are produced directly from genetically modified organisms, they must be labeled as such. This applies to the many different additives produced entirely or partially from GM maize or GM soy. Labeling requirements for additives that are processed with the help of GM microorganisms remain unclear. For the time being, these additives are not labeled as long as the genetically modified microorganisms themselves do not make their way into the product.
Top
What about labels for meat, eggs, and dairy products from livestock raised with GM feed?
Feeds containing GM plants or ingredients from GM microorganisms must be labeled. The foods made from animals raised with GM feed, however, such as meats, eggs, and dairy products, do not require labeling. They are considered foods made "with the help of GMOs" and are therefore exempted from labeling requirements.
GMO Watch. Information on GMO and GMO foods.
Top
Are there any other exceptions to labeling requirements?
Only products that are legally foods require labeling. Culture media for microorganisms, carrier substances (e.g. for vitamins and flavors), and processing aids (mostly enzymes) fall under this category of non-foods. These products are not labeled, even when they are produced from GMOs.
Top
What happens when food gets contaminated with small amounts of GMOs? When does this need to be labeled?
Unintentional and technically unavoidable mixing only needs to be labeled if the GM content exceeds 0.9 percent (of the original ingredient). This allowance is only valid under two conditions: 1. The affected producer must prove that the traces of GMO were technically unavoidable. If GMOs are mixed intentionally, labeling is always required. 2. The GMO that is present must be authorized in the EU and thereby considered safe.
Top
Genetically modified plants are already being grown in Europe. Sooner or later, GM contamination is going to end up in my food. I don’t want genetic engineering in my food at all.
This assertion is essentially correct. Although sound and responsible practices can reduce the likelihood or degree of unintentional mixing, with genetically modified plants already being grown in our fields, unintentional mixing is never out of the question. On the farm, during transport, in storage, and during processing, windblown pollen or traces left in containers give many opportunities for mixing. Nature is an "open system". Therefore, no crops can be grown in complete isolation. This holds true for organic agriculture as well. With the latest and most sensitive testing, traces of GM content have been detected even in organic foods. The only way to ensure 100 percent purity of GM-free foods would be to stop the production of GMOs everywhere. Abandoning agricultural biotechnology is not realistic. GM crops already cover 90 million hectares worldwide with no known cases of negative effects.
Top
If I’m forced to accept GM contamination, do I have any freedom of choice at all?
Labeling gives consumers the right to choose products that were not intentionally or directly produced from genetically modified organisms. It’s important to remember that GM labels are not warnings. They are simply there to inform consumers that the food contains genetically modified ingredients, which were authorized in the European Union and underwent a rigorous safety assessment. Under current EU regulations, these foods are considered as safe as their conventional counterparts.
Top
Who is enforcing these labeling requirements?
As is the case with other food laws and regulations, this falls under state jurisdiction and is carried out by official food surveillance organizations. All Member States have labs specially equipped for this purpose. These labs abide by officially recognized, standardized practices.
Top
Can I trust these labels?
You cannot always tell if something must be labeled just by looking at the end product. Oftentimes products that do not have detectable traces of GMOs still require a label. This new basis for labeling only works when a system of documentation is set in place for the entire production and supply chain. Every producer must obtain information that shows if the raw materials being used contain GMOs. They must also pass this information on to stakeholders further down the supply chain. The entire food industry is now obligated to create a system of traceability, but whether or not a dependable system is successfully put in place still remains to be seen. A few problems still need to be resolved, especially when it comes to foreign trade.
Top
GMO Watch. Information on GMO and GMO foods.
The information contained in these pages have been gathered from numerous sources, official
and unofficial, over a period of time. We believe the information is as correct today, as is was at
the time of writing. However, since science in this field is developing quickly, some of it may have
become obsolete. Should you find any such passages, we would be grateful if you would bring it
to our attention. You'll find our contact details on the contact page. Furthermore, all content in
these pages, including the general "look and feel" of the site are the property of Smart Stuff HB
except where other copyrights may apply. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying, re-
publishing or printing for other purposes than personal reference is prohibited. By using the
GMO Watch website you agree not to hold GMO Watch, Smart Stuff HB or any of its publishers,
shareholders, principals or employees responsible for any loss, injury or discomfort resulting
from reading these pages or contacting and entering into business with any of its advertisers.
Normal business caution and common sense is advised. GMO Watch is part of Smart Stuff HB, a
Swedish registered company. Registration number 969713-6100. GMO Watch. Version 1.o.
© 2007-2010 Smart Stuff HB. Thank you.
A Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is defined as "...an organism in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination..."
Top
How long has labeling genetically modified foods been mandatory in the EU?
EU-wide regulations on labeling have existed since 1997, when the EU regulation on novel foods and food ingredients came into effect. In 2003, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the governments of Member States decided on a new regulation on genetically modified food and feed. This new legislation further expanded labeling rules, replacing the previous novel foods regulation.
Top
When does a product require labeling?
If a food is a genetically modified organism (GMO), it must be labeled. For example: If genetically modified tomatoes (i.e the FlavrSavr tomato) or genetically modified corn on the cob make it to our product shelves, they must be clearly labeled – even when sold loose, without packaging. To date, no such products are on the market. Processed foods and ingredients that are produced from genetically modified plants or microorganisms also require labeling. This has been the case without exception since April 2004, regardless of whether or not a GMO can be detected in the final product. In short: All foods and ingredients that are produced in whole or in part from genetically modified organisms must show this information on their labels.
Top
Do things like flavors and additives need to be labeled?
The same rules for foods and ingredients also apply to flavors and additives. If they are produced directly from genetically modified organisms, they must be labeled as such. This applies to the many different additives produced entirely or partially from GM maize or GM soy. Labeling requirements for additives that are processed with the help of GM microorganisms remain unclear. For the time being, these additives are not labeled as long as the genetically modified microorganisms themselves do not make their way into the product.
Top
What about labels for meat, eggs, and dairy products from livestock raised with GM feed?
Feeds containing GM plants or ingredients from GM microorganisms must be labeled. The foods made from animals raised with GM feed, however, such as meats, eggs, and dairy products, do not require labeling. They are considered foods made "with the help of GMOs" and are therefore exempted from labeling requirements.
Top
Are there any other exceptions to labeling requirements?
Only products that are legally foods require labeling. Culture media for microorganisms, carrier substances (e.g. for vitamins and flavors), and processing aids (mostly enzymes) fall under this category of non-foods. These products are not labeled, even when they are produced from GMOs.
Top
What happens when food gets contaminated with small amounts of GMOs? When does this need to be labeled?
Unintentional and technically unavoidable mixing only needs to be labeled if the GM content exceeds 0.9 percent (of the original ingredient). This allowance is only valid under two conditions: 1. The affected producer must prove that the traces of GMO were technically unavoidable. If GMOs are mixed intentionally, labeling is always required. 2. The GMO that is present must be authorized in the EU and thereby considered safe.
Top
Genetically modified plants are already being grown in Europe. Sooner or later, GM contamination is going to end up in my food. I don’t want genetic engineering in my food at all.
This assertion is essentially correct. Although sound and responsible practices can reduce the likelihood or degree of unintentional mixing, with genetically modified plants already being grown in our fields, unintentional mixing is never out of the question. On the farm, during transport, in storage, and during processing, windblown pollen or traces left in containers give many opportunities for mixing. Nature is an "open system". Therefore, no crops can be grown in complete isolation. This holds true for organic agriculture as well. With the latest and most sensitive testing, traces of GM content have been detected even in organic foods. The only way to ensure 100 percent purity of GM-free foods would be to stop the production of GMOs everywhere. Abandoning agricultural biotechnology is not realistic. GM crops already cover 90 million hectares worldwide with no known cases of negative effects.
Top
If I’m forced to accept GM contamination, do I have any freedom of choice at all?
Labeling gives consumers the right to choose products that were not intentionally or directly produced from genetically modified organisms. It’s important to remember that GM labels are not warnings. They are simply there to inform consumers that the food contains genetically modified ingredients, which were authorized in the European Union and underwent a rigorous safety assessment. Under current EU regulations, these foods are considered as safe as their conventional counterparts.
Top
Who is enforcing these labeling requirements?
As is the case with other food laws and regulations, this falls under state jurisdiction and is carried out by official food surveillance organizations. All Member States have labs specially equipped for this purpose. These labs abide by officially recognized, standardized practices.
Top
Can I trust these labels?
You cannot always tell if something must be labeled just by looking at the end product. Oftentimes products that do not have detectable traces of GMOs still require a label. This new basis for labeling only works when a system of documentation is set in place for the entire production and supply chain. Every producer must obtain information that shows if the raw materials being used contain GMOs. They must also pass this information on to stakeholders further down the supply chain. The entire food industry is now obligated to create a system of traceability, but whether or not a dependable system is successfully put in place still remains to be seen. A few problems still need to be resolved, especially when it comes to foreign trade.
Top
The information contained in these pages have been gathered from numerous sources, official
and unofficial, over a period of time. We believe the information is as correct today, as is was at
the time of writing. However, since science in this field is developing quickly, some of it may have
become obsolete. Should you find any such passages, we would be grateful if you would bring it
to our attention. You'll find our contact details on the contact page. Furthermore, all content in
these pages, including the general "look and feel" of the site are the property of Smart Stuff HB
except where other copyrights may apply. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying, re-
publishing or printing for other purposes than personal reference is prohibited. By using the
GMO Watch website you agree not to hold GMO Watch, Smart Stuff HB or any of its publishers,
shareholders, principals or employees responsible for any loss, injury or discomfort resulting
from reading these pages or contacting and entering into business with any of its advertisers.
Normal business caution and common sense is advised. GMO Watch is part of Smart Stuff HB, a
Swedish registered company. Registration number 969713-6100. GMO Watch. Version 1.o.
© 2007-2010 Smart Stuff HB. Thank you.
NEWS PAGES
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GENERAL PAGES
GMO facts
GMO FAQ
GMO links
TIPS PAGES
How to avoid GMOs
PRODUCT PAGES
Additives in general
Additives to sweets
Alcoholic beverages
Animal feed
Apples
Bananas
Beer
Bread and bakery
Cheese
Chicory
Chocolate
Colorings
Cotton
Dairy products
Eggs
Emulsifiers
Enzymes
Feed additives
Fish
Glucose syrup
Ice cream
Juices
Labeling of additives
Maize/corn
Meat
Microorganisms
Papaya
Potatoes
Production methods
Rapeseed
Rice
Safety
Sausages
Soft drinks
Soy bean
Starch
Sugar from starch
Sweets
Tomatoes
Vitamins
Wheat
Wine
Wine grapes
Yeast
HFCS
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Products with HFCS
Fast food with HFCS
Further reading
Sources and credits
SITE'S OWN PAGES
About GMO Watch
Contact us
Contribute GMO info
Donate
RSS feed
What are feeds?
Next news page >>
GENERAL PAGES
GMO facts
GMO FAQ
GMO links
TIPS PAGES
How to avoid GMOs
PRODUCT PAGES
Additives in general
Additives to sweets
Alcoholic beverages
Animal feed
Apples
Bananas
Beer
Bread and bakery
Cheese
Chicory
Chocolate
Colorings
Cotton
Dairy products
Eggs
Emulsifiers
Enzymes
Feed additives
Fish
Glucose syrup
Ice cream
Juices
Labeling of additives
Maize/corn
Meat
Microorganisms
Papaya
Potatoes
Production methods
Rapeseed
Rice
Safety
Sausages
Soft drinks
Soy bean
Starch
Sugar from starch
Sweets
Tomatoes
Vitamins
Wheat
Wine
Wine grapes
Yeast
HFCS
High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
Products with HFCS
Fast food with HFCS
Further reading
Sources and credits
SITE'S OWN PAGES
About GMO Watch
Contact us
Contribute GMO info
Donate
RSS feed
What are feeds?
