Comprehensive GE labelling regime for NZ and Aust

4:00 PM

Australia and New Zealand health officials have agreed that all food containing genetically engineered products will have to be labelled.

The officials have been meeting in Wellington to work out an agreement compatible to both nations.

They have announced that the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Council has rejected a recommendation that food containing 1% or less genetically engineered ingredients would be exempt from labelling.

Health Minister Annette King says the mandatory labeling regime is the most comprehensive in the world.

Mrs King is very pleased with the outcome of the meeting, with the majority of delegates backing mandatory labeling.

While there are a few exemptions in cases such as highly refined foods and additives, she says the exemptions have been tightly defined.

Mrs King says the demands of consumers were primary in the debate, and the decision today means they will finally know exactly what they are putting in their bodies.

- IRN

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