What labels are required for genetically engineered/modified foods?
Labeling is voluntary. Since the application of biotechnology is generally regarded as an extension of existing breeding techniques, the regulatory framework applied to traditional food products is deemed to be suitable for biotechnology products. Whenever the genetic engineering of a product involves a health or safety issue, it must be labeled. These could include allergenicity or a change in nutritional value, i.e. a tomato modified to contain higher levels of lycopene. Food manufacturers may choose to use labels promoting the fact that the products have or have not been modified through genetic engineering.
