Consumer groups push Japanese officials to impose stricter GMO labeling laws

Reports from Japan suggest officials are weighing up imposing stricter rules for the mandatory labelling of food items containing genetically modified foods.

At present, eight GM crops are regulated while 33 food items are required to state on pack if they contain GM ingredients.

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Japan’s current GM rules have been criticized by some consumer groups for not going far enough, and some are demanding mandatory labelling for all items containing any GMOs.

At present, Japan allows a 5% tolerance for GM content in foods approved by regulators in the country.

Those that fall below this percentage can use the labels “Non-GM product segregated” or “Not genetically modified.”

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Products that exceed the tolerance, the item must be labelled “GM Ingredients Used” or “GM ingredient Not Segregated.”

Imported food items containing GM DNA or protein between 1% and 5% should be labelled “may contain GM ingredients.” Those that fall below 1% do not need to label the product.

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The consumer groups leading the charge for tighter rules argue the present system doesn’t adequately inform shoppers of what they are buying.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Japanese officials considering imposing stricter GM labelling laws