GREENPEACE-POLICY CONCERNING THE LABELLING AND DECLARATION OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD PRODUCTS

November 1, 1997

Introduction

Greenpeace is opposed to the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment. We also believe that stream lining of crops (sometimes referred to as segregation) is essential for the right of consumers to be provided with the choice of non -genetically manipulated food. For products that do contain or are produced by GMOs all products, seeds, animal feed, and food products and their components must be very clearly labelled.

Greenpeace has provided an example of how a label for such products could look. We are calling on the EU Commission to implement a comprehensive and immediate labelling program for its citizens that allows for the choice of non-genetically modified food for consumers.

Greenpeace Policy on Labelling in the European Union

• All food products that have been produced, processed, grown or cultivated under one of the following preconditions have to be marked with a clear and easily visible label (see Annex I), to inform consumers about the production process and to allow an informed choice between genetically engineered and conventional food products.
• The label has to be used as a non-removable sticker or as a direct imprint on the product itself or its packaging (whatever is displayed to the customer). The labelling policy should come into effect immediately as stickers can be used as a phase in for the interim period when direct imprints should be obligatory.
• For the labelling process, the complete chain of production and all components of the final product must be taken into consideration. All ingredients and components of the final product must be listed. The technical capability to detect GMOs is not a criteria for labelling.
• Additional information on the product must clearly state if the product contains proteins from plants, animals or micororganisms known to initiate allergies.
• A central register of all products on the market in the European Union should be maintained. Information should be collected and results published for the public by the EU Scientific Food Committee controlling program on the short and long term effects of genetic engineering in food.
• Liaibility for any health affects caused from food or products derived from GMOs should be the responsibility of the food processing company or company involved.

A) Labelled "Genetically Manipulated"

Food products must be marked with the label"Genetically manipulated" if one or more of the following preconditions applies to either the finished product or one or more of its components:

1. Food products and/or their components that consist of or contain genetically modified organisms (according to thedefinition set out in the EU-directive 90/220/EEC). This regulation applies both for finished products and their components, regardless whether the genetical modification can be detected by currently available scientific standards or not.
2. Food products and/or their components that are produced or derived from genetically modified organisms. This regulation applies both for finished products and their components, regardless of whether the genetical modification can be detected by currently available scientific standards or not.
3. Food products, if their additives are produced or derived from genetically modified plants or animals.
4. Food products obtained or derived from animals raised and fed with genetically modified animal fodder.
5. Animal fodder must be labelled as genetically manipulated:
   • if the fodder or its components consist of or contain genetically modified organisms or their parts;
   • if the fodder or its essential components are produced or derived from genetically modified organisms.
6. Animals that are genetically engineered and sold for food or animal fodder (such as fish meal).

B) Labelled: "Produced with Genetic Engineering"

Food products have to be marked "Produced with genetic engineering" (without a label; in written form, placed within the list of ingredients), if one or more of the following preconditions applies to either the finished product or one or more of its components:

1. Food products that are produced with the help of production processes that operate with genetically modified organisms or their derivates.
2. Food products that contain or are produced with the help of additives (vitamins, enzymes, flavoured substances (flavour ants)) that are produced or derived from genetically modified organisms.