DA to push ‘truthful’ labeling of ‘GMO foods’

Agriculture Undersecretary Ernesto Ordoñez said yesterday they will ensure transparency by requiring manufacturers to inform consumers, through proper labeling, whether their food products have ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

"There should really be truthful labeling of food products as provided for under the law. The people should be informed when the food they eat contain GMOs," Ordoñez said.

He said it is the right of consumers to know if the food they are eating would have a bad effect on their health or not.

"The use of GMOs must benefit the people, but if (they have) a bad effect, we will not allow (their) use," he added.

The other day, Greenpeace, an international environmental group, claimed that tests done by a Hong Kong food-testing laboratory, which it commissioned, found that 11 food products sold in the local market have GMO-derived ingredients.

Nesvita safe, Nestlé assures

Meanwhile, Nestlé Philippines Inc. confirmed yesterday that it uses GMO-derived soya beans in Nesvita Cereal Drink.

Nestlé expressed confidence that GMO-derived ingredients which have passed the strict scientific evaluation process, and therefore are allowed in the market, do not constitute a health risk.

In addition, Nestle said it ensures that all raw materials comply with Nestlé and international food safety and quality standards.

For more than 130 years, Nestlé has been manufacturing and distributing food products to meet the nutritional needs of consumers all over the world.

Throughout its long history, Nestlé said it has never compromised on the safety of its products.

Nestlé said it recognizes that apart from increased production, the use of biotechnology has shown some positive effects on nutrition.

For these reasons, the company said it maintains its support for sound scientific research for improved food production.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Nestlé said it complies with government rules and regulations on the use of GMO-derived ingredients, wherever it operates.