The issue of labelling genetically modified (GM) foods is a complex one and so far, no international consensus has been reached on it. Singapore does not currently have any legislation or guideline specific for the labelling of GM foods.
GMAC has set up a subcommittee to monitor international trends and developments and to consider the issue of labelling in relation to Singapore. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the international body jointly established by FAO and WHO to develop food standards and its work is carried out by subsidiary bodies such as the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL). The CCFL is studying the various facets of the labelling issue, such as threshold levels and methods of implementation, to come up with a comprehensive position. Singapore, being a member of Codex, is working with other countries in the CCFL to look into acceptable guidelines on labelling of GM foods.
The composition of the GMAC Subcommittee on Labelling is as follows:
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Chairman
Mr Chua Sin Bin
Principal Consultant
Agrifood Technologies Pte Ltd
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Subcommittee Members |
Ms Mavis Chionh
Chief Prosecutor
Economic Crimes and
Governance Division
Attorney-General's Chambers
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Ms Uma Muniandy
Senior Assistant Director. WTO
International Trade Cluster
Ministry of Trade and Industry
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Mr Adrian Goh
Senior Assistant Director. Standards Team
International Trade Cluster
Ministry of Trade and Industry
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Mr Muslim Anshari
Senior Biodiversity Officer
International Relations. Biodiversity Centre
National Parks Board
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Mr Sean Wong
Senior Executive Manager
Regulatory Programmes Division
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
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Ms Yeo Ai Lin
Manager
Food Division. Lifestyle Business Group
International Enterprise Singapore
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Ms Elaine Tan
Health Promotion Board Singapore
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Mr Lee Lup Poon
Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE)
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For more information, please see our archived articles:
The Straits Times , 28 Apr 2008
GM Labelling in Line with International Practice
The Straits Times, 9 Apr 2008
Don't be too quick to endorse GM foods |
