Genetically Modified Foods - advice for caterers

The Food Labelling (Amendment) Regulations 1999 require food labels and menus to state if a product does contain GM (Genetically Modified) ingredients.

• Is my business affected?
• Which type of businesses have to comply with the regulations?
• Will I have to change my menus
• Will I have to train my staff
• What about Due Diligence provisions?

Is my business be affected?

Yes, if you sell food to the ultimate consumer which is not prepacked or which is prepacked for direct sale (such as catering premises and retail food premises).

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Which type of businesses have to comply with the regulations?

• caterers (example: restaurants, takeaway food shops , canteens)
• public houses
• sandwich shops selling sandwiches prepared on the premises
• bakers
• delicatessens

also businesses supplying foods to

• wedding receptions
• conferences
• food telephone businesses
• hospitals
• school canteens and  such like
• retail food businesses.

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Will I have to change my menus?

Notices or menus will have to indicate which ingredients contain GM foods.

Will I have to train my staff?

In short the answer is "Yes". As matter of best practice staff involved in serving customers will need to be kept informed.

What about Due Diligence provisions?

Businesses should take all reasonable precautions and exercise all due diligence to see that the labelling of products which they sell meets the requirements of the EC Regulation and UK Regulations.