A bill to introduce a complete labeling system for genetically modified organisms (GMO) in stages by item has been introduced in the National Assembly. With discussions related to this topic continuing for over a decade, attention is focused on whether the bill will pass the plenary session this time.
According to the relevant industry on the 16th, Nam In-soon, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party, presented the amendment to the Food Sanitation Act and the Health Functional Foods Act on the 13th. The main point is to require labeling as GMO even if genetically modified DNA and genetically modified proteins are absent when any genetic modification has taken place. It also includes provisions to label products that do not use genetically modified foods as "Non-GMO".
Current law restricts labeling requirements based on the presence of genetically modified DNA or proteins. Even if genetically modified materials are used, if there are no residual genetically modified DNA or proteins after manufacturing or processing, GMO labeling is not required.
Nam noted, "The current law restricts basic rights such as consumers' right to know and choose." In particular, the amendment stipulates that the Minister of Food and Drug Safety will determine the necessary details such as labeling targets and methods. Considering the strong opposition from the food industry, labeling of GMO status is limited to items specified by the Minister rather than applying to all items.
Discussions regarding the complete labeling of GMO have continued since 2013. In particular, in 2018, a petition urging the implementation of the "GMO complete labeling system" was submitted to the Blue House, gathering around 210,000 participants. The petition stated, "All foods using GMO should be labeled without exception, and the use of GMO in public and school meals should be prohibited," and requested that the current Food and Drug Safety Administration notification, which makes Non-GMO labeling impossible, be revised.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the responsible agency, has since held about 30 meetings through the "GMO Labeling System Improvement Social Council" and the "GMO Strengthening Practical Council," involving consumers, civic groups, and the industry. However, there is a need for careful consideration as conflicts among stakeholders continue.
While consumers and civic groups support the introduction of the GMO labeling system, the food industry has opposed the complete labeling system, arguing that it may heighten fears regarding GMO foods and increase production expenses. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is also concerned that as the number of items subject to GMO labeling increases, it would become difficult to manage them perfectly.
A spokesperson from the Ministry remarked, "It is not opposed in principle to ensure consumers' right to know and choose," and added, "Delays in reaching an agreement are due to concerns about supply instability of raw materials, rising product prices, and weakening industrial competitiveness resulting from the introduction of the system." They continued, "A comprehensive consideration of factors like rising prices is necessary."
Earlier, during the National Assembly's audit in 2022, Oh Yu-kyung, the Minister of Food and Drug Safety, stated that "We plan to legislate the GMO complete labeling system by 2024 and to gradually introduce it by item starting in 2026," but noted, "There is a sharp conflict among stakeholders, including consumers, civic groups, and the food industry, so sufficient discussion is necessary."
As the institutionalization has been delayed, concerns were raised during last year's audit as well. Minister Oh explained in October of last year that "The lack of social consensus is delaying legislation."
This bill emerged from the position that it can no longer delay the institutionalization, as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has had ample discussions with the relevant industry. Last year, a related "GMO Special Act" was also presented by the opposition party, but it was discarded due to the expiration of the 21st National Assembly's term.
A representative from Nam's office stated, "We have deemed that we have sufficiently gathered opinions from various sectors," noting that "the scope of legal application includes only primary processed products as raw materials, while secondary and tertiary processed products are excluded. While Europe has implemented a 'complete' labeling system even for secondary and tertiary processed products, it is proposed to proceed step by step in consideration of domestic realities."
If the amendment passes the National Assembly's plenary session, the complete labeling system for GMO will be gradually implemented starting with key items such as soy sauce, soybean oil, and starch syrup. According to the representative from Nam's office, the amendment reflects opinions gathered from the industry during the council's operation.
Currently, some items like soy sauce and beer use non-GMO raw materials, so the burden is expected to be relatively low. However, since edible oils generally use GMO raw materials, companies like CJ CheilJedang, Daesang, Sajo Haepyo, and OTOKI are expected to be the most affected.
According to the Food Industry Statistics (FIS), the total retail sales of household edible oil in the first half of last year amounted to 188.7 billion won. CJ CheilJedang had the highest sales at 69.5 billion won, followed by Sajo Haepyo (40.4 billion won), Daesang (19.6 billion won), OTOKI (13.1 billion won), and Dongwon F&B (13 billion won).
According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, 78.5% of the public supported the need for a complete labeling system for GMO. Among respondents, 47.3% stated that they could accept a certain extent of price increases due to complete GMO labeling, while 27.4% expressed opposition to price increases.