Thailand Requires GMO Labeling

BANGKOK - Jul 4/01 - STAT -- Foods containing more than 3% genetically engineered corn or soybean must show this on their labels by the middle of 2002, according to new rules announced by Thailand's Food and Drug Administration.

Secretary-general Vichai Chokewiwat said the new rules will only cover corn and soybeans because of the complexity of testing the thousands of products now made from genetically engineered grains, oilseeds and other plants.

Thailand will only test products bound for retail shelves in the country, instead of raw ingredients, claiming it would be too costly and complicated.

Labels must declare the product is "made from genetically modified corn" or "made from genetically modified soybean" in letters which are at least 2mm high in the normal color of other ingredients.

Government officials stressed they wanted to inform rather than warn customers about the presence of genetically engineered corn and soybean in their foods.

The subscriber version of the article is available by Clicking here