Feature story - 1 July, 2002
China's implementation of labelling for GE (genetically engineered) foods today brings to two billion the number of people worldwide whose country's require GE labelling.
Greenpeace volunteers dine out to show that while China has introduced GE food labelling, Hong Kong is stalling.
Greenpeace welcomed the move, which provides incentive to other
nations in Asia to implement labelling, and also increases pressure
to do so on Hong Kong local authorities, which have stalled the
process. At the same time, the Chinese regulation strengthens the
position of the European Union (EU), which has been under threats
from the US of WTO action over new EU proposals for process-based
GE labelling.
Active discussion on GE labelling is underway in Thailand,
Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. The Chinese model compels them
to move more quickly, since food importers and exporters in these
countries will anyway have to meet these rules when trading with
China.
In the US and Canada, where the majority of GE crops are grown,
governments find themselves increasingly marginalised for current
policies that oppose even the most basic regulation of GE food
(labelling).
Lindsay Keenan, Greenpeace GE campaigner said "Labelling of GE
foods is fast becoming the de-facto international standard. It is
incredible that Canada and the US still allow vested interests to
stall the introduction of GE labelling." Consumer surveys in the US
and Canada indicate a clear demand for GE labelling.
The new Chinese regulation is part of a broader framework of
"Biosafety regulation of GMOs in Agriculture" originally announced
by China in June 2001. According to that regulation, any releases
of GMOs to the environment must be approved by relevant authorities
and safety certification provided for imports. The regulation
outlines the mandatory labelling of all GMOs, including seeds,
animal feed and food products containing GMOs. Unless GMOs are
labelled, their sale will be illegal.