A legislative proposal has been submitted to introduce a comprehensive labeling system for genetically modified organisms (“GMO”). If passed, the legislation would require GMO labeling on any foods and health functional foods using GMO as raw ingredients, regardless of whether genetically modified DNA or protein deposits remain in the final products.
Along with strengthened requirements to fall under exception to GMO labeling, partial amendments to the Food Sanitation Act and the Health Functional Foods Act were proposed on September 7, 2020, which pertain to the downward adjustment of permissible non-intentional presence of GMO from the current 3% to 0.9% and the improvement of non-GMO labeling standards. Below are the key details of the proposed amendments.
|
Classification |
Current |
Proposed Amendment |
|
Agricultural Products Subject to GMO Labeling |
Six types of agricultural products (soybean, maize, cotton, canola, sugar beet and alfalfa) and processed products thereof |
|
|
GMO Labeling Standards for Processed Foods |
Among foods manufactured/processed using GMO as raw ingredients, those containing genetically modified DNA or protein in the final products (including health functional foods and livestock products) |
Foods manufactured/processed using GMO as raw ingredients (requirements for Exemptions have been removed) |
|
Permissible Unintended Presence |
3% |
0.9% |
|
Non-GMO Labeling |
GMO is not used as raw materials, and the content of raw ingredients subject to labeling is 50% or greater, or the the subject raw ingredient is the primary ingredient |
Foods where GMO is not used and unintentional presence of GMO is 0.9% or lower (ratio of GMO ingredient out of the total raw ingredients must be indicated together) |
Although four amendment bills to the Food Sanitation Act were proposed before the 20th National Assembly to improve GMO labeling, they were not fully deliberated. Although the Social Council for Improving GMO Labeling was formed in December 2018, discussions were halted due to the divided opinions between the food industry and civic groups.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, however, newly established the Working Council for Strengthening GMO Labeling, attended by industry officials and civic groups early this year, and will reportedly draw a practical conclusion on whether to strengthen GMO labeling by discussing how to improve GMO labeling and coordinating stakeholders’ opinions.
The passage of the above legislation and the Council’s discussion may have material impact on the food industry going forward.
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