New technologies and food labelling: the controversy over labelling of foods derived from genetically modified crops

Consumers’ views of genetically modified foods (GM foods) can influence food producers’ decisions as to whether to market GM foods or whether to use conventional varieties. Through labelling, supported by certification, consumers could differentiate a GM food from a conventional food. A working group of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling identified seven approaches to labelling of GM foods. GM labelling is mandatory when there are differences in the final product that could have a material effect on the consumer. Several countries require labelling when the final product is different than the conventional product, regardless of whether the difference has no consequences for health. There is little consensus on labelling products which do not contain any GM material but were derived from a GM crop or labelling because of the process of production.