Newsletter
LABELING SYSTEM FOR GM FOODS
Genetically modified (GM) foods have been on the market in other countries for a number of years. In Taiwan, recent intensive media re-porting has aroused public concerns. In response to the controversy over GM foods, the Depart-ment of Health (DOH) has begun research and discussion in cooperation with other relevant agencies, in the hope of formulating a compre-hensive regulatory system for GM foods as quickly as possible.
To regulate GM foods, the DOH will draw up regulations under the recently amended Food Hygiene Control Law, including the Regulations Governing the Inspection, Testing and Registra-tion of Genetically Modified Foods, the Methods for Assessment of the Safety of Genetically Modified Foods, and the Regulations Governing the Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods. The DOH hopes that through the above three sets of regulations, it can establish a regulatory sys-tem for GM foods in Taiwan, which will promote transparency in the labeling of GM foods and enable the consuming public to know which foods contain genetically modified foodstuffs or raw materials.
In the future, if the DOH confirms that a product is harmful to human health, it will be able to order a recall or ban its shipment. Imported raw materials will also be required to be clearly la-beled as to whether they are genetically modified. Businesses which introduce genetically modified products into the market in breach of the relevant provisions will be subject to fines.