New GMO food labeling rules delayed to July 1 launch, fully implemented by the end of 2015
Editor's note: The new system for labeling genetically modified food has finally been confirmed. This is already the December 22, 2014 and February 26, 2015 versions and the third version.
Key points: Loose food items have been implemented in three stages since July 1, 2015, while packaged food and food additives started on December 31, 2015. This means that starting in 2016, the new GMO food labeling system will be fully implemented.
Internationally, there must be a corresponding genetically modified food raw material that has already been reviewed and approved for cultivation or use as a food ingredient before the words "non-genetically modified" or "not genetically modified" may be labeled, and labeling may be based on the adventitious presence rate.
After the new system takes effect, food raw materials that wish to be labeled with the words "non-genetically modified" or "not genetically modified" must, internationally, have a corresponding genetically modified food raw material that has already been reviewed and approved for cultivation or use as a food ingredient before such labeling is permitted; and they may be labeled in accordance with the adventitious presence rate as "meets the standards of 〇〇(country)(or wording of equivalent meaning)" or labeled with the actual adventitious presence rate.
Taking tofu as an example, if non-genetically modified soybeans with an adventitious presence rate of 0.9% are used as the raw material, the product may be labeled "This tofu uses non-genetically modified soybean raw material with an adventitious presence rate of 0.9%, in compliance with EU regulations."
Conversely, if the tofu uses black beans as the raw material, because there is currently no genetically modified variety of black beans, it cannot be labeled "This tofu uses non-genetically modified black beans as the raw material."
The length and width of the labeling font must not be less than 2 cm, and the wording must be clearly distinguished from other text.
The length and width of the labeling font shall remain not less than 2 mm, but the words "genetically modified," "contains genetically modified," or "uses genetically modified 〇〇" must be clearly distinguished from other text.
Penalties
If, from the date of implementation, a product is found not to be fully labeled in accordance with Article 22, Article 24, or Article 25 of the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, then in accordance with Article 47 of the same Act, a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$3 million shall be imposed; if the labeling is untrue, exaggerated, or likely to cause misunderstanding, in violation of Article 28 of the same Act, then in accordance with Article 45, Paragraph 1 of the same Act, a fine of NT$40,000 to NT$4 million shall be imposed. Violating products shall, in accordance with Article 52 of the same Act, be recalled and corrected within a set deadline and may not continue to be sold before correction; if the deadline is not complied with, they shall be confiscated and destroyed.
[Further Reading]