Group queries genetic food labelling

As little as 10 per cent of foods produced in some way by genetic engineering will be labelled as such under a new EU labelling regime due in Sept ember, Genetic Concern has claimed.

While all major Irish supermarket groups have said they will fully implement the scheme, which is based on testing of protein and DNA in foods, it would be "completely meaningless" unless there was segregation of traditional foods and ingredients from genetically-modified (GM) ones, the group says.

Responding to the move by Superquinn to assure customers that GM foods were safe and beneficial, a Genetic Concern spokesman, Mr Quentin Gargan, said the chain would best serve its customers by seeking segregation of supplies with traceability back to source, and not simply some form of certification on source.

Superquinn indicated it planned to introduce the most comprehensive labelling scheme to date in Ireland, largely based on one introduced by the business group IBEC, in conjunction with greater traceability of produce.

Genetic Concern repeated its view that IBEC's approach was flawed, as it could lead to food being labelled "genetically-modified" as a precaution when in reality it would not be.

This is possible where a retailer is not sure if soya is modified or not.

Although the EU has yet to finalise its labelling regulations, it was clear that many components would not have to be labelled - notably oils generated from GM foods such as corn or soya, Mr Gargan said.

The EU has ruled that this is not necessary because its scientists have found no substantial difference between GM and non-GM foods.

Mr Gargan said: "Instead of supporting and glossing-up a half-baked labelling system, Superquinn should call for segregation of crops. They should use their buying power to strengthen the segregated market in Ireland. That equally applies to the whole grocery sector."

The health food sector would soon be stocking Californian raisins dressed in coconut oil rather than soya oil (which is increasingly made from GM soya), he said.

Consumer and retailer demand for segregation had also ensured that sultanas from Australia would be dressed in soya oil generated from beans which were not genetically-engineered.