Aigner: More transparency when purchasing food – Presentation of the new "Ohne Gentechnik" logo
"The new standardised "Ohne Gentechnik" logo makes it easier for consumers to make a conscious decision in favour of GM-free food", Federal Minister Aigner emphasised on the occasion of the presentation of the new logo in Munich.
Federal Minister Aigner presenting the "GM-free" label, Source: BMELV
The introduction of this standardised logo meets the urgent calls made by consumer associations and interested actors of the food sector.
It has been possible since early 2008 to label GM-free foodstuffs with the designation "GM-free". In practice, however, limited use has been made of this possibility. According to the requirements of European food-labelling law, it is not possible to introduce compulsory labelling for animal products such as milk, eggs or meat from animals which have been fed with genetically modified feed. Moreover, foodstuffs may contain genetically modified ingredients for which there is no labelling requirement. The new label makes it possible to close these gaps. It provides consumers with the certainty that foodstuffs with this label contain no genetically modified ingredients, not even traces of it.
The new logo will be available free of charge to producers whishing to label their products as "GM-free". This will make it easier for the interested food sector to use the label. At the same time, it will also make it easier for consumers to recognise such products.
"The introduction of a standardised logo will strengthen freedom of choice for consumers and I hope that the labelling option will be broadly used," Federal Minister Aigner emphasised.
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