Moscow recently announced that all genetically modified (gm) food in the city will now have a city-wide label.
Ecologists welcomed the move while producers called it a complex and expensive exercise. After an inspection,
producers will have the right to carry Moscow's gm-free label for a year.
Greenpeace too welcomed the norm calling it the first large-scale political effort to introduce such a system, since only a handful of individual food
producers around the world use labels certifying their food is free of gm elements. Around 80 per cent of Russian
produce contain no genetically enhanced ingredients against only about 20 per cent in the European Union (eu) and
other richer countries.
Meanwhile, producers complain that all this means added costs."It involves special testing, special packaging and the costs will be passed on to the
consumer," said Alexei Popovichev, head of Rusbrand which represents producers like Nestl and Kraft.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.