A cluster of groups lobbying for environmental, consumer and community rights, has submitted a joint petition to the Chinese government calling for a comprehensive and mandatory labelling system for genetically modified food. With no international regulations in place, and different countries adopting very different policies on GM labelling, pressure groups feel they have an important role to play in shaping policy in their country. The Chinese Environmental and Food Bureau is to begin discussing a modified food labelling system today, and will seek public consultation on a range of possible options.