The Codex Alimentarius Committee on Food Labeling has met to discuss the labeling of genetically modified foods.

Held from 9-13 May 2005, in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, the Committee debated the need to label genetically modified foods on the basis of the “Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Labeling of Foods and Food Ingredients Obtained through Certain Techniques of Genetic Modification / Genetic Engineering.” The US, Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines opposed the guidelines as they currently stand. These would allow for labeling of all GM foods, including: those that are substantially different in terms of composition, nutritional value or allergenic content; those composed of, or containing, GMOs; and those produced from but no longer containing GMOs. However, approximately 30 countries supported wide, process-based labeling of GM foods. Seeking a compromise, Canada proposed splitting the guidelines between mandatory and optional labeling provisions. The meeting agreed to create a working group to “reconstitute” the guidelines and report back to the Committee in 2006.
Links to further information
Report of the Meeting, May 2005
Codex Sees Clash on Biotech Labelling, International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development Bridges Trade BioRes, 13 May 2005
US Seeks to Remove Biotech Food Labeling from Codex Agenda, Environment News Service, 13 March 2005