GM food industry fights labelling regulations

US and European biotechnology companies are making concerted efforts to fight a state ballot initiative that will require new labelling standards for genetically-modified foods in the US, according to a report on FT.com.

The state of Oregon, known for its liberal ways and a thriving organic foods industry, is trying to introduce Measure 27, which would require specific labelling to appear on any food produced, sold or distributed in the state that contained genetically-engineered ingredients. This is the first such move to appear on a state ballot, the FT.com report stated.

If the measure is approved by the 5 November ballot, it would be the first serious challenge to the labelling of GM foods anywhere in the US, a move that could have far reaching implications for the industry on both a national level.

The European Union, in contrast, is considering even more sweeping legislation that would require careful tracing and mandatory labelling of any food containing even small traces of GM material, the FT.com report stated.

However, the requirements of Measure 27 would be even stricter than those under consideration in Europe. It would mandate labelling on products that contain as little as 0.1 per cent of genetically-engineered ingredients, compared with the 1 per cent threshold proposed in the European legislation. "This is above and beyond anything we've seen thus far,"​ said Stephanie Childs, a spokesperson for the Grocery Manufacturers of America, a trade association representing the US food industry.

The campaign in the US is being spearheaded by cancer survivor Donna Harris, who claims she just wants to know what is in her food, so she can have "a more informed choice" for her and her children.

With roughly 70 per cent of food on US grocery store shelves containing some genetically-engineered ingredients, there is now little chance of the US following Europe's lead and turning its back on GM foods.

However, if Measure 27 is passed, its labelling requirements could result in significant losses for the biotechnology industry, said Stephen Weller, a spokesperson for CropLife International, a Brussels-based trade association representing the world's leading biotech companies such as BASF, Dow, DuPont, FMS, Monsanto and Syngenta.

The opposition to the Measure 27 has so far raised some €5 million to fight the costly initiative, and according to Portland public polls backing favours the biotechnology industry.

Even Paul McCartney, a well known campaigner against GM foods, has joined in support for the Measure, however funds for the campaign are running low and is expected that the public support in favour of the biotechnology industry could swing the vote in its favour.

Regardless of the opinion, Measure 27 has done much to bring about greater awareness of food safety issues amongt the general public and, even if it is defeated, will probably have other implications related to tighter labelling regulations. And undoubtedly it will be the food industry that will be expected to bear the brunt of the considerable expense such measures will involve.