New rules planned for GM labelling
25 February 1999
New rules planned for GM labelling
THE UK government is preparing to publish new rules on the labelling of genetically modified (GM) foods.
The rules will insist on all food containing GM ingredients being clearly labelled instead of than the contents being listed in small print.
The Ministry of Agricultures role in licensing new GM foods will pass to the new Food Standards Agency (FSA), although the departments of health and trade will continue to have a role in developing policy.
Food safety minister Jeff Rooker said the FSA would not have a policy to promote modified food but would not actively seek to stop new crops coming on to the market.
The governments initiative on labelling came as the association representing local authorities across England and Wales recommended a five-year ban on GM food in schools.
The move is viewed by the Financial Times as an embarrassment to the government since given its repeated assurance that GM food was safe.
- Local councils yrge Blair to ban GMs, FWi, yesterday (24 February, 1999)
- GM labelling gets EU go-ahead, FWi, 27 May, 1998
- Britain to urge “watered-down” GM label scheme, FWi, 25 March, 1998
- The Times 25/02/99 page 4
- Financial Times 25/02/99 page 7
- The Guardian 25/02/99 page 5
- The Daily Telegraph 25/02/99 page 12
- The Times 25/02/99 page 4