Food Law News - EU - 1997

25 July 1997: NOVEL FOODS - The European Commission agrees on an orientation for EU labelling of GMO products


Commission Release (IP/97/700 ), 25 July 1997

The European Commission agrees on an orientation for EU labelling of GMO products

The European Commission agreed on a general orientation on the labelling of products produced from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), intended to ensure a coherent European Union approach across the different sectors regulating the use of GMOs in the food chain. On the basis of this approach, the Commission will propose measures which will cover all products placed on the market following the safety approval, both "live" GMOs and products derived from GMOs, thus guaranteeing coherent labelling throughout the production chain. This approach would lead to the following labelling : voluntary labelling (e.g. "this does not contain ... ") for certified non-GMO produce; mandatory labelling (e.g. "this contains ... ") for produce known to be of GMO origin; mandatory labelling (e.g. "this may contain ... ") in cases where material of GMO origin cannot be excluded but where no evidence of the presence of such material is available.

In order to adequately meet the legitimate demand for labelling, to enhance transparency and to safeguard the Internal Market, the Commission will prepare draft legislation based on the following fundamental principles:


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