EU-Genetic Food
APf 03.12.97 17:58
Copyright 1997 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The information contained in this news report may not be
published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior
written authority of the Associated Press.
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- The European Union wants to require
labels on food containing genetically modified soybeans and corn
from the United States.
The group's executive office made the proposal Wednesday and, if
approved by the 15 member nations, the labels could start showing
up in February.
The genetically modified soybeans are produced by chemicals giant
Monsanto Co., of St. Louis, and the corn is developed by the
Swiss firm Novartis, although American farmers have begun
cultivating it.
The EU proposal includes strict scientific criteria to determine
if food has been genetically modified.
It also would require warning labels on foods in which the
presence of genetically modified soybeans and corn cannot be
excluded.
Officials said the proposal would likely affect thousands of
processed food products, ranging from chocolate to sauces to baby
food.
Soybeans are contained in about 60 percent of processed foods.
The United States, which opposes the strict labeling of
genetically modified foods, exports 15 percent of its soybean
crop to EU nations.
Even though genetically altered produce is legal in most of the
world, some environmental and consumer groups worry that the food
products could reduce the effectiveness of antibiotic medicines.