Review on Labelling of Genetically Modified Food

Ms Faizah Jamal asked the Minister for National Development if he will provide an update on the review by the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee on the labelling of genetically modified (GM) food and when the public can expect GM food to be labelled.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: There is no international consensus on mandatory labelling of GM food. Most countries do not require such mandatory labelling. This includes Singapore.

GM food labelling is a complex issue as it has adverse implications on food trade and food prices. Cross-border enforcement is also challenging.

Our Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) are active participants in the international discussions under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). This is the international body on food standards set up by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Health Organization.

At its most recent session in 2011, the CAC accepted that countries would have different approaches for labelling GM food, and adopted a guidance document stating the relevant Codex texts for labelling such foods. Our GMAC and AVA will ensure our food labelling requirements are aligned with these international standards.

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