S. Korean govt orders labelling / Labelling demanded in Canada (29/3/2007)

1.S. Korean gov't orders labelling of all GMO products from late June
2.Canada - GMOs: Let us choose, M.Charest!

NOTE: Below the article about the S. Korean Government ordering labelling of all GMOs is a snippet from AgBioWorld showing South Korea tendering for non GMO Corn for June when labelling kicks off.

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1.S. Korean gov't orders labelling of all GMO products from late June
Yonhap News, March 28 2007,
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/Engnews/20070328/650000000020070328135350E9.html

The South Korean government said Wednesday that all products with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be clearly labelled as such under a plan to enhance consumer rights.

The plan, which goes into effect on June 29, is an expansion of current identification requirements designed to protect the environment and consumer health. Under the current rules, it is only mandatory to identify genetically modified beans, bean sprouts, corn and potatoes.

Products containing GMOs, which have been artificially transformed in labs to improve output, taste and resistance to disease, have drawn criticism over their possible adverse effects on the ecosystem and human health.

"The changes call for all GMO products that are imported and manufactured for human consumption to be labelled," said Kim Young-man, head of the Agriculture Ministry's agriculture distribution bureau.

To encourage enforcement of the new rules, the official said people who report mislabeling will be given cash rewards of up to 2 million won (US$2,130).

Kim stressed that the move is not aimed to hurt imports of GMO products from such countries as the United States, and speculated that it will not cause complaints.

"The actions are not new and are only an expansion of existing procedures," he said.

In addition to GMO products, the ministry said it will start a nationwide probe to ferret out mislabeling of fresh and processed agricultural goods starting on April 1.

The latest actions are to cover both fresh produce like melons, watermelons, strawberries and peaches as well as manufactured products including bread, noodles and curry.

Because of higher prices and stronger consumer demand, some importers and retailers have intentionally mislabeled cheap imports as being produced in the country.

The ministry said those found to have tried to mislead consumers could face a fine of under 100 million won [US$106,000] or a jail term of less than seven years.

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Monday Morning Corn Comment

Jim Riley, Inside Futures, March 26 2007, http://www.insidefutures.com/article/13349/Monday%20Morning%20Corn%20Comment.html

(excerpted by AgBioView)

Top News

-- Export Sales: South Korea tendering for 55,000 mt. opt. org. non GMO Corn for June

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2.Minority government needs to respect majority's opinion - GMOs: Let us choose, M.Charest!

MONTREAL, March 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Greenpeace this morning dumped five tons of corn in front of the office of the Quebec Liberal Party, to insist mandatory labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Mandatory labelling has consistently been supported by a majority of Quebecers, and with the first minority government since the 1800s, Greenpeace said it's time the National Assembly listened.

"Greenpeace wants no more electoral games," said Eric Darier, a Greenpeace genetic engineering campaigner. "We've waited four years since Mr. Charest's last broken promises of 2003 and the election campaign. With a minority government elected, the majority shouldn't have to wait anymore-whether Jean Charest wants to dodge our right to know or not. Polls indicate that a large majority of Quebecers are united in their desire for mandatory labelling of GMOs and in their right to choose."

Greenpeace took the message directly to the party Quebecers chose to lead the minority National Assembly, and which has a duty to listen to all Quebecers. "It's time for our government to bring forward the mandatory labelling legislation that Quebecers want and see if our National Assembly will pass it," said Darier. "Indeed, we are asking that the new government tell us if this five tons of corn contains GMOs authorized in Canada. And if Monsanto's corn, Mon863, which a recent study says had potentially dangerous health effects, is one of them?

"If the government won't tell us, without labels, how will we know," he asked, pointing to polls that say 79 to 95 per cent of people support mandatory labelling.

On March 17, Greenpeace published an economic study on the costs of mandatory labelling, which the government hid for several months. This study, received last October but never published, laid out the economic costs of labelling-and showed they were not nearly as high as what industry claimed. Greenpeace and other groups analyzed the study and made concrete solutions to let Quebec practically move ahead. Darier urged Charest to move forward now the facts are clear.

"Other provincial governments can't remain inactive on the labelling of GMOs, either, now we know the costs are so low and the dangers of GMOs are so serious," said Josh Brandon, genetic engineering campaigner for Greenpeace in Vancouver. "Across Canada, public opinion will soon force governments to support mandatory labelling legislation. Particularly in BC, where polls show a majority intend to vote for candidates that will bring in labelling."

For further information: Jocelyn Desjardins, Greenpeace communications, (514) 212-5749


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