Genetic manipulation

There has been a de facto European Union moratorium on the approval of GMO products since October 1998. Eighteen products have already been approved under the general EU Directive (90/220/CEE) whilst 14 are pending approval. Five Member States have temporarily banned already approved GM products, which is permitted under the Directive. Two new EU labelling regulations have been drafted but have not been implemented because of a lack of testing methodologies, certifying labels and inspection procedures. The ultimate intention is to ensure that products can be labelled GM free to enable consumers to make an informed choice. It has been argued that products labelled as containing products derived from GM will convey negative messages to consumers. This is likely to be so in the absence of benefits that are clearly seen by consumers. This will occur if plants are used as factories for the production of vaccines and pharmaceutical products. However, it is unclear at present where the benefits will lie in the nutritional field other than for the developing world.

The lack of public confidence in the European food safety system is already causing harm to markets in the US and in developing nations where the technology is already embraced. This is likely to lead to major problems in international trade unless it is resolved.