- Businesses in Europe demand mandatory genetics labeling
Over 370 businesses in the food sector, such as Rewe and dm, have urged agriculture ministers from EU nations to introduce mandatory labeling for genetically modified foods.
Individuals representing this cause delivered an open letter to Hungary's Minister of Agriculture, István Nagy, according to the Alliance for Non-GMO Food. Currently, Nagy oversees the EU Council of Agriculture and Fisheries due to Hungary's rotating EU Council presidency. Companies from 16 EU member states contributed to the open letter.
There's ongoing debate in Brussels regarding the relaxation of EU genetic engineering regulations. The EU Commission proposed this relaxation in the summer of 2023. The European Parliament also supported looser guidelines for genetically modified foods in February of this year. Yet, unlike the EU Commission's initial proposal, the Parliament wishes for future labeling of all products stemming from genetic engineering.
This is the second time the initiative has handed out an open letter. As mentioned in the letter, "Many of our customers are uncertain about genetically modified items." They believe that they should have the right to choose whether to purchase and consume these items. This choice can only be possible if the items are clearly labeled. Kerstin Erbe, dm's product management head, asserted in a statement, "Citizens should have access to as much information as possible about their consumption."
Before the European Parliament's vote in February, the business initiative had already campaigned for maintaining stringent genetic engineering labeling. However, before a final decision on less restrictive rules can be reached, EU countries and the European Parliament must reach a consensus. The agriculture ministers from EU nations are yet to come to a joint agreement, with no negotiations with the Parliament able to commence until an understanding is met.
If deregulation were to materialize, it would potentially make it simpler to generate new plant varieties using modern genetic engineering methods. Supporters of these methods argue that this could result in the creation of stronger plants with higher nutritional value. Some even hope it could reduce the dependency on pesticides.
Other businesses in the food sector might join the initiative to advocate for mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. The concern for consumer choice is universal, as many customers express uncertainty about these items.
