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MARCH 2000

Labeling Differences Among Genetically Altered Foods
by Kristin Johnson

The European Union and the United States do not agree when it comes to the labeling of genetically modified foods. The European Union Commission has approved food labeling rules that require food companies to label products containing more than 1% of genetically altered foods. This 1% threshold is the lowest level at which genetically modified food ingredients can be detected. The European Union Enterprise Commissioner Erkki Liikanen said that he intends to toughen up the rules further if technological developments lead to the detection of genetically modified elements below the 1% threshold. These food-labeling rules went into effect for all 15 European Union countries the week of January 17, 2000.

On January 10, 2000, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced that the federal government is not likely to make similar requirements for U.S. manufactures and grocery stores. Glickman told reporters at a news conference: "I, at this stage, do not see any of what I call mandatory or regulatory activities taking place from the government which will order anybody to do anything with respect to these issues, whether its labeling or anything else."

The European Union Commission has approved food labeling rules that require food companies to label products containing more than 1% of genetically altered foods.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency all have jurisdiction on the regulation of biotech foods. Each agency is under pressure from consumer and environmentalist groups to tighten existing regulations and to require labeling. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration held a series of three public hearings on what regulatory changes should be made. Officials representing each of these agencies have been discussing these issues.

Last year, the United States Department of Agriculture formed a committee made up of government, industry and consumer representatives who will also look into the issue of genetically modified foods.

Glickman added that the food industry has been spearheading efforts to educate consumers about biotechnology and genetically modified foods. "The industry has become very engaged with us on trying to see if there are ways they can work these issues themselves," he said.