The international food standards body Codex has prepared a draft standard but has not been able to reach agreement on labelling of substantially equivalent food and a decision is unlikely before June 2001. The issue could be determined before the WTO disputes panel. The US and Canada have taken action against the EU standard, claiming it constitutes a technical barrier to trade. Australian opponents of labelling substantially equivalent food point to this WTO action in support of their contention that labelling could harm Australian trade. But supporters of labelling argue that consumer rights to information should not be considered a trade barrier, and that failing to label all genetically modified food would cause difficulties for exports to Europe.
Genetic technology alters the genetic properties of organisms to achieve certain outcomes.
In some cases, genes from one organism are introduced to another to change characteristics. The regulatory body overseeing trials, the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee, assessed 399 proposals for trials last financial year. Millions of hectares overseas are planted to modified cotton, canola, maize and soybeans, according to GMAC's latest annual report. Applications for approval to import and sell six products from US company Monsanto, including pest-resistant cotton, will be before the ministers on Thursday. Proponents of genetically modified plants point to benefits from reduced chemical use, better nutritional value, elimination of allergens, extension of shelf life, improved appearance of foods, and greater, faster output.