In regard to an advertisement directed at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed by the Homemakers United Foundation on June 18, 2014, titled “Tip-of-the-Tongue Science: Genetically Modified Food Carcinogenic? Insufficient Evidence!”, the FDA stresses that it cannot create advertisements to voice support for businesses, in addition to expressing thanks to the Homemakers United Foundation for its long-term concern for the food safety and health of the Taiwanese people. This is one in a series of communications on food safety for the people. It is directed at issues toward which the people feel more doubtful or with which they are more concerned. This is a scientific communication platform. In addition to allowing the people to understand whether foods contain genetically modified ingredients from their labels, the FDA also hopes to provide the people with more information to make independent choices. 

The FDA states that the management of genetically modified foods in Taiwan is based on the strict management of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation. The relevant policies and stipulations are based on maintaining the food safety of the people of Taiwan using scientific evidence. Consumer rights, the food supply, and policy feasibility are given full consideration. 

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (previously the Department of Health) formulated the Genetically Modified Food Safety Assessment Methods in 2000. These assessment items were amended in 2008 and 2010 based on the genetically modified food safety assessment guidelines formulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Assessment content includes the safety and process safety of genetically modified foods. This covers the genetic material of foods, the experience and history of human consumption, food ingredients, and differences between new varieties and known species in use. The assessment items place particular focus on the characteristics of products, the potential for inducing allergies, nutrition facts, drug resistance, and antibiotic marker genes. To review genetically modified food ingredients in Taiwan, the FDA has hired experts and scholars on molecular biology, toxicology, immunology, and other relevant academic fields to form the “Genetically Modified Food Review Panel,” which reviews each case rigorously. All product lines must be inspected, registered, and licensed before reaching the market. 

On November 19, 2013, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the Regulations Governing Traceability of Foods and Relevant Products. On April 17, 2014, it announced a draft recommending the establishment of a tracking system for food and related products from importers of genetically modified foods. This is expected to be implemented on February 5, 2015. In addition, three drafts of binding matters on the labeling of packaged foods, food additives, and bulk foods containing genetically modified ingredients were announced on June 20, 2014. Highlights of these amendments include expanding the scope of labeling for genetically modified food ingredients from packaged foods to include food additives and bulk foods. In addition, non-genetically modified food ingredients unintentionally incorporated with more than 3% genetically modified food ingredients will be viewed as genetically modified food ingredients and must be labeled as “genetically modified.” This is stricter than the 5% stipulation currently in place. Labeling is being strengthened not because of safety concerns but to ensure consumers’ right to know and to give consumers freedom of choice. 

The FDA emphasizes that it has collected and referenced relevant regulations and monitoring and management measures internationally to revise these regulations. The FDA aims to enhance the management effectiveness of safety assessments and labeling for genetically modified foods in Taiwan. The timely disclosure of relevant information will allow the people to obtain correct information regarding the safety and health of genetically modified foods, dispelling unnecessary doubts and ensuring the food health and safety of the Taiwanese people and the rights and interests of consumers.