Russia takes GE labelling seriously
Russia has announced that it is to introduce compulsory labelling of foodstuffs with over 0.9% of GMOs as of 1 June thanks in part to Greenpeace Russia's hard work. The chief sanitary medical officer Gennady Onishchenko has signed the resolution, which adopts European standards of labelling.
Currently only food products that have 5% of GE sources in them have to be labelled. Europe introduced a 0.9% threshold November last year and as of 18 April all produce with GE ingredients have to be labelled Europe-wide.
It will be up to the Russian Health Service and State Retailer Inspection to verify the labelling of food products. Any infringements of this new law will be subject to financial fines - between RUR 100 - 500 (EUR 3-15) for individuals, RUR 500 - 1,000 (EUR 15-30) for officials and RUR 10,000 - 20,000 (EUR 3,000 - 6,000) for companies.
This news comes just days after Russian food giants Ostankinsky and Daria-polufabrikati, whose products are found in most supermarkets and local shops, announced that they are stopping the use of genetically modified ingredients in food production.
Greenpeace Russia's GE campaigners have been working hard compiling research and information about which food producers use GE ingredients and have so far contacted 450 food companies. The lists should be available in May.
