The European Non-GMO Industry Association (ENGA) has criticised the European Parliament for approving legislation that will relax regulations governing a new generation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), arguing that the move weakens transparency throughout the food supply chain.
The decision clears the way for most so-called ‘new GMOs’ – developed using newer gene-editing techniques – to be exempt from existing requirements on traceability and labelling that currently apply to conventional GMO crops.
‘Missed opportunity’
“The European Parliament has sided with the biotech industry – and let down the food sector, small-scale breeders and farmers, and consumers,” commented Heike Moldenhauer, ENGA secretary general.
“It has missed the opportunity to vote for the benefit of the food sector and for consumers and has irresponsibly neglected their right to know what is in their food. The Parliament has also failed to enact effective regulations against the patenting of plants and products derived from New GMOs.”
ENGA argued that lawmakers failed to introduce what it considers key safeguards, including mandatory traceability and labelling throughout the supply chain, detection methods for all new GMOs, and stronger protections against the patenting of genetically edited plants.
Biotechnology rules
The legislation forms part of the European Union‘s broader effort to modernise biotechnology rules. Supporters of deregulation argue that newer gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, can deliver crops that are more resilient to climate change, disease and drought without introducing foreign genetic material in the way traditional genetic modification does.
However, critics say the changes could make it increasingly difficult for food manufacturers, retailers and consumers to identify whether products have been developed using gene-editing techniques.
“While most products containing new GMOs will become invisible in conventional supply chains, the key message for consumers is clear: new GMOs remain excluded from organic and Non-GMO products,” Moldenhauer added.
“These labels will therefore become even more important as safeguards for informed choice.”
The legislation will formally enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Food operators and other stakeholders will then have a two-year transition period to adapt to the new framework. Read more here.
