Jessica Lim, Straits Times 14 Mar 08;
Half of corn, canola oil and soya bean sold here are genetically modified. But most Singaporeans don't know as the law here does not require manufacturers and retailers to label GM foods
THAT soya bean milk drink you had for breakfast could have been made from genetically modified (GM) beans.
Lots of food in your larder - from nachos to poultry to baby food and soya milk - could also contain ingredients whose genetic make-up has been altered in a bid to make them plumper, tastier or resistant to disease.
But it is unlikely that you will ever know.
The reason: Unlike dozens of developed countries around the world, Singapore does not require manufacturers and retailers to label GM foods.
While the foods have not proven to be unsafe, their sale has sparked protests from Indonesia to the United States, driven largely by fears about >the long-term effects of tinkering with Mother Nature.
According to Singapore's Genetic Modification Advisory Committee, about half of the corn, canola oil and soya bean sold in Singapore are genetically modified.
Dr Wong Kwok Onn, head of the survey and safety review branch at the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), said that Singapore's reliance on imported food means GM foods 'could be anywhere on the market now'.
Consumers, though, have little way of knowing what they are buying.
Singapore laws allow manufacturers and importers to leave out or even remove labels that would inform consumers they are buying GM foods.
Many companies, Dr Wong said, do just that because they are 'worried that Singaporeans might not accept them'.
While the issue is a major one around the globe, it is only just gaining steam here.
No one has complained to Singapore's consumer watchdog about the lack of labelling, but some shoppers The Straits Times spoke to were concerned when told that they might be buying GM foods.
Mrs Khairina Mohd, 45, a mother of two, wants labels on such items.
She said: 'Like most other educated Singaporeans, I want to know what I am putting into my mouth. It's a basic right.'
Mr Daniel Koh, 36, a psychologist, said: 'Just browsing online, I can tell the issue is getting out of hand globally and there are more GM foods around.
'We are consumers too, and I would like to know more about the food I am eating and the long-term effects, if any.'
Although no side effects from eating GM foods have emerged, the long-term effects of bioengineering have not been completely evaluated, said Mr Peter Droge, head of genomics and genetics at Nanyang Technological University.
Still, some Singaporeans couldn't care less if GM foods are labelled.
Businessman Goh Keng Wee, 53, is among them.
He said: 'It does not matter much to me. If it is safe and tastes good, why should I care?'
Proponents of genetic modification view it as the answer to food shortages. Yields are higher and less water, energy and fertiliser are used in the production process, Mr Droge explained.
Currently, 51 countries - including China, Canada and the United States - produce GM foods.
More than two-thirds of modified American corn, for example, is exported to Asia and Africa.
Labelling of these foods is compulsory only in the European Union and in about 30 countries, including Japan and Australia.
It is not compulsory here because of the lack of international consensus on the labelling of GM foods, said Dr Wong.
However, that could change following a meeting next month of an international body that sets standards for the food industry, according to government officials.
All food here, including GM food, safe to eat: AVA
Goh Shih Yong, Straits Times Forum, 25 Mar 08
IN RESPONSE to the article, 'Do you know how much of your food is genetically modified?' (March 14), we would like to clarify the issues of safety and labelling of genetically modified (GM) food.
Safety of GM food
The international consensus is that GM food is safe for consumption. This follows extensive reviews of the safety of GM food by various international scientific organisations over many years. All GM food must pass rigorous risk assessments to ensure it is safe for human consumption before it is allowed to be sold in the international market. GM food is governed by guidelines at both international and country levels. The international guidelines for assessing the safety of food derived from GM organisms are issued by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is the international reference body for food standards.
In Singapore, the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee (GMAC) sets guidelines for the import, release and use of GM products here. GMAC was established in 1999 to oversee and advise on research and development, production, use, handling and release of GM organisms in Singapore. In assessing and approving GM foods for consumption in Singapore, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) follows the guidelines of both Codex and GMAC.
Labelling of GM food
Labelling of GM food is a complex issue and a consensus has yet to be reached at the international level. Where practised, labelling of GM food is done to give consumers choice, and not for food safety reasons.
Singapore's position on GM food labelling is in line with international trends and practices. As mandatory labelling of GM food is currently not an international practice, making it compulsory might curtail our sources of supply and increase food prices.
Nevertheless, AVA and GMAC will continue to monitor international developments closely to ensure labelling requirements are up to date. Singapore is working closely with the Codex Committee on Food Labelling to develop acceptable guidelines on labelling of GM food. The Codex guidelines on GM food labelling are expected to take several years to finalise.
Although our current food regulations do not require GM food to be specially labelled, GM food, like all other food products, must meet existing food labelling requirements with regard to ingredient listing and information to facilitate tracing and recall. We assure consumers that food available in Singapore, including GM food, is safe for consumption.
Goh Shih Yong
Assistant Director, Corporate Communications
for Chief Executive Officer
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority
