Genetically Modified Foods

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

Which type of businesses have to comply with the regulations?

All food businesses must comply. These include:

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

Also; businesses supplying food to:

• wedding receptions
• conferences
• telephone food businesses
• retail food businesses
• hospitals
• school canteens

Notices or menus must also indicate which dishes or ingredients contain GM foods.

As matter of best practice staff involved in serving customers will need to be kept informed and should be trained.

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.