EU food manufacturers will have to redouble checks ensuring ingredients are not contaminated with GM material after a ruling the from European Court of Justice (ECJ).

Judges have ruled that non-GM food sold in the EU has its character changed by any such contamination – becoming effectively a new product and so requires a new market approval authorisation.

“That classification may be made irrespective of whether contamination by the substance in question was intentional or adventitious,” the ruling said.

The case involves Bavarian honey contaminated with pollen from Monsanto’s EU-approved MON 810 maize.

Critically, the court said the leeway allowed in EU labelling laws allowing up to 0.9% of each ingredient to be accidentally GM without a declaration on packaging did not extend to market authorisation commitments, meaning even a minute amount of GM material would count. “That regulation may not be applied to that obligation by analogy,” the court said.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.