In the EU, the treatment of labeling of foods and food additives derived from biotechnology is treated somewhat differently. Currently, the Novel Foods Regulation3 requires mandatory labeling of foods and food ingredients derived from biotechnology. However, products initially derived from biotechnology that no longer contain protein or DNA resulting from genetic modification are exempt from these labeling requirements as long as the bioengineered food is not substantially different by characteristic or property from the traditional food4. See the chart5 provided below for specific examples of products that would be exempt from biotechnology labeling under current regulations. Additionally, for traditionally produced products, where biotechnologies do exist within the product group, a threshold for adventitious contamination by bioengineered materials has been established by Regulation (EC) 49/20006 at 1% under which products do not require biotechnology labeling. This threshold applies to adventitious contamination only and manufacturers must be able to demonstrate that they have used appropriate steps to avoid the presence of material derived from biotechnology to be
exempt from labeling requirements.
In July, 2001, the European Commission adopted two proposals affecting the traceability and labeling of foods and food ingredients and feeds produced using biotechnology7. These proposals including amendments were affirmed by the European Parliament in July, 2002 and are predicted to be approved by the Council later in 2002. The proposals define a model for labeling biotechnology products that is more comprehensive than the current legislation. Under the pro posals, all foods or food ingredients derived from biotechnology, regardless of the protein/DNA content of the final product (see chart5 below for examples), would be required to bear special labeling indicating such derivation. Note that food additives such as highly filtered lecithin
derived or potentially derived from plants produced through biotechnology will need to be labeled under the new labeling proposals even if they do not contain any detectable
protein or DNA content. Additionally, the threshold for adventitious contamination would
be lowered to 0.5%.
