The objective is to provide consumers with clear information and a choice between products. I believe that an appropriate labelling system of genetically modified food is one of the cornerstones in resolving the current controversy concerning the application of biotechnology to food. Without appropriate consumer information, mistrust about biotechnology and GMO food is bound to proliferate. I am therefore pleased to see that many other countries, such as Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand, are adopting a similar approach. This also responds to the demands we have had from consumers in the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue.
Information is of course very much linked to the issue of traceability.
A successful food safety policy also demands traceability of feed and food. This obviously applies to GMOs. Adequate procedures to facilitate traceability must be introduced. This includes the obligation for feed and food businesses to ensure that procedures are in place to withdraw feed and food from the market where it presents a risk to the consumer. It must be emphasised, however, that unambiguous tracing of feed and food is a complex issue and must take into account the specificity of different sectors and commodities.