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"The full GMO labeling system is being introduced to ensure consumers' right to know for foods that have passed the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety's safety inspections. We will set step-by-step standards through sufficient communication with industry, consumers and scientists."
Oh Yu-Kyoung, Minister of the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety, held a press briefing in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on the 11th and said this regarding the full GMO labeling system. GMO refers to agricultural products and microorganisms made by artificially manipulating genes.
The Minister said, "There are detailed matters left, such as when to begin phasing in the full GMO labeling system," adding, "It was difficult to reach agreement on the full GMO labeling system itself, but with its passage in the plenary session this time, a legal basis has been created."
She added, "For the subordinate regulations, we intend to fully reflect overall views, including consumers' right to know, concerns about raw material supply in industry, and scientists' analyses. We will ensure continuous communication."
Earlier, an amendment to the Food Sanitation Act requiring labeling of GMO raw material use for items determined by the Minister of the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety passed the National Assembly's plenary session on the 2nd. An amendment to the Health Functional Foods Act containing provisions on GMO labeling for health functional foods also passed the plenary session the same day.
Currently in Korea, the scope of labeling is limited based on whether genetically modified DNA or genetically modified protein residues remain. Even if genetically modified raw materials were used, GMO labeling is not required if genetically modified DNA does not remain after manufacturing and processing.
The revised bill leaves this as is while requiring labeling of genetic modification for items determined by the Minister after deliberation and resolution by the Food Sanitation Deliberation Committee. It also requires labeling of GMO status if the ratio exceeds the standard set by the Minister of the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety, even if genetically modified raw materials were unintentionally mixed in.
Products that do not use genetically modified raw materials or meet certain requirements may be labeled as non-genetically modified foods (Non-GMO). Specific standards such as target items and labeling methods will be set later in the enforcement decree and public notice.
In the food industry, soy sauce, soybean oil, and starch sugars (corn syrup, fructose) are being mentioned as labeling targets. According to the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) BioSafety Information Center, Korea's imports of genetically modified agricultural products reached 10 million tons (t) last year.
Most genetically modified agricultural products imported by Korea are corn, soybeans and canola. Edible oils, starches, sugars and additives refined from these are used in most processed foods, including snacks, ramen, beverages, sauces and bakery items. There are concerns that this will affect not only corporations handling processed foods but also the restaurant industry, which uses large amounts of edible oil, starch and sauce.
There is an outlook that if food corporations switch raw materials to meet consumer demand for non-genetically modified foods, price increases will be inevitable. The manufacturing costs of processed foods could also rise accordingly. This is because non-genetically modified foods are in limited supply worldwide and therefore more expensive.
Civil society welcomes the full GMO labeling system as it satisfies consumers' right to know. However, some note that it is not appropriate for the Food Sanitation Deliberation Committee to deliberate on GMO labeling items. They cite the absence of a GMO subcommittee within the Food Sanitation Deliberation Committee and the participation of the food industry on the committee.
Regarding these concerns, the Minister said, "Rather than the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety taking the lead on where to set the tolerance threshold and which items to apply first in phases, we intend to listen more to voices on the ground," adding, "We will review the matter from multiple angles and stay on top of it."