Ask an Expert: Codex Alimentarius Commission

Were there any developments on the 'Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Labelling of Foods and Food Ingredients Obtained Through Certain Techniques of Genetic Modification/Genetic Engineering' at the meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling that was held at the beginning of this month?

Unfortunately, not much progress was made on the proposed draft Recommendations for the Labelling of Foods and Food Ingredients Obtained through Certain Techniques of Genetic Modification / Genetic Engineering.

The Committee had to start with the discussion on whether or not to continue this work because some delegations were not supportive of its continuation in view of the persistent differences among members and the time and resources so far consumed by this work. The Committee also considered suspending the discussion for three years, until when countries might have obtained more experience in the labelling of GM/GE foods and found a common ground for negotiation. However, the Committee agreed to continue this work based on the support of many delegations.

The discussion of the text focused on the chapeau, or the introductory paragraphs, which would provide core principles for the GM/GE foods and clarify the purpose and status of the document. Several alternatives were proposed, including the deletion of the chapeau and incorporation of some of its elements into the following first paragraph.

The proposed draft Recommendations with these proposals has been circulated to members and observers for comments and further discussion at the next session of the Committee.