EU Sets Genetic Food Label Rules
APO 18.06.97 18:49
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BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- Responding to public concern about food
safety, the European Union on Wednesday approved a measure
requiring companies to label genetically modified food.
The move is certain to spark complaints from the United States.
U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky earlier in the week told EU officials that Washington would view labeling as a possible violation of world trade rules. American farmers, who are big producers of genetically modified soybeans and corn, say separating the crops is nearly impossible and would be prohibitively expensive. U.S. grain producers also fear that labeling genetically modified food would mislead consumers into thinking the products were defective.
In a statement announcing the EU decision, Ritt Bjerregaard, the group's environment chief, said the labels would provide "valuable information for the consumer" and were not intended to scare away the public from genetically altered products.
The rules will require companies seeking EU approval of gene-modified products to identify them as such on "a label or an accompanying document."
EU officials said all 15 member nations must put the labeling law into effect by July 31. European farm, environmental and consumer groups have called for the labels, arguing the grain has not been adequately tested for safety.
Austria and Luxembourg have banned the import of genetically modified grain, saying the herbicides and antibiotic-resistant chemicals used in its production could cause adverse reactions in some individuals.