In response to a newspaper report titled “Contrary to the Law, Ministry of Health and Welfare to Not Require Labeling of Genetically Modified Products,” the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clarified that that packaged foods containing genetically modified food ingredients require mandatory labeling. In addition, based on revisions to the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation published on February 5, 2014, the FDA has further reviewed and revised the already standardized provisions for packaged foods containing genetically modified soybeans and corn. Today (June 20), the FDA announced in advance three drafts titled “Binding Matters on the Labeling of Packaged Foods Containing Genetically Modified Food Ingredients,” “Binding Matters on the Labeling of Food Additives Containing Generically Modified Food Ingredients,” and “Binding Matters on the Labeling of Bulk Foods Containing Genetically Modified Food Ingredients” to strengthen the management of genetically modified foods. 

In comparison to current specifications on genetically modified food labeling, these revisions focus on the following: 

1. The scope of implementation has been expanded from only packaged foods to include food additives and bulk foods. 

2. Products containing “genetically modified food ingredients” “or genetically modified food additive ingredients” approved by the central competent authorities must be labeled as “genetically modified” or “genetically modified ingredients included.” 

3. Non-genetically modified food ingredients unintentionally incorporated with more than 3% of genetically modified food ingredients are viewed as genetically modified food ingredients and must be labeled as “genetically modified.” This is stricter than the current stipulation of 5%. 

The FDA collected international data and reviewed the methods used in a variety of countries to formulate these three drafts. The FDA also discussed labeling requirements and implementation processes for foods containing genetically modified feed ingredients with scholars, association representatives, consumer protection groups, and local health authorities. Recommendations from these meetings were referenced when preparing the drafts. 

The opinion and comment period for these three drafts will end on July 19, 2014. Official implementation is expected to take place on January 1, 2016. Because the aspects of bulk food sale are complex, the act that concerns bulk food will be implemented in three stages based on targets and items. 

“FDA Announcements” under “News” on the FDA website (www.fda.gov.tw) can be accessed for more information.