GM Food

What is KCC's Position on Genetically Modified Food?

Following the national and local debate on GM and EU legislation KCC has considered its position.

In future -

WE WILLstrengthen our procurement policy to exclude from our goods and services to the public (including KCC residential care, adult services, community and school meals), those products which contain genetically modified ingredients. However, we do accept the proposed European legal limit for accidental contamination of 0.9%.

WE WILL seek to modify leases and contracts to forbid the growing of Genetically Modified crops on KCC land,

but,

WE WILL NOT apply to the EU for a"‘GM free" Kent. We believe this would require the agreement of all farmers in the county. Also, Kent has already been host to some farm scale trials, so this would be a false position.

WE WILL continue to monitor and review our position.

 

Labelling - What is the law on GM Food Labelling?

• Foods containing GMOs (Genetically modified organisms) or which are produced from, or contain ingredients produced from GMOs MUST be labelled

• If the food is pre-packed, the information must be on the label
  
  
• If the food is not pre-packed, the information must be on a notice next to the food

Some foods DO NOT need to be labelled they are:

• Food from animals fed GM animal feed, for example meat, milk, eggs

• Food produced using a GM enzyme, such as cheese, and bakery products using amylase (a form of enzyme)

• Food accidentally, or technically unavoidably, containing less than 0.9% of authorised GM material. The permitted level for unauthorised GM material is 0.5%.