Do GM foods have to be identified on food labels?
Yes. It is mandatory for GM foods to be identified on food labels in Australia and New Zealand. These requirements became law in December 2001 and were put in place by food ministers to assist consumers to purchase or avoid GM foods, depending on their own views and beliefs.
GM foods and ingredients (including food additives and processing aids from GM sources) must be identified on labels with the words ‘genetically modified’, if novel DNA and/or novel protein from an approved GM variety is present in the final food. GM foods must also be labelled if they have altered characteristics. For example, if a GM food has an increased level of a particular nutrient, such as a vitamin, or has to be cooked or prepared in a different way compared to the conventional food, then this also needs to be stated on the label. Some exemptions are allowed under the labelling requirements. For example, foods which do not contain novel DNA or protein do not have to be labelled, such as highly refined or processed foods such as vegetable oils or sugars. However, if these foods also have altered characteristics (e.g. a refined oil with an altered fatty acid profile) then the food must be labelled.

Reference:
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (2010). Genetically Modified (GM) Food. Date Retrieved: 11 July 2010. Website: http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumerinformation/gmfoods/

Posted by Sagita Steffi