Preventing hidden commercialisation of GM foods

01-08-2011

Fayssy Delion & Alain Delion

A recent discussion on the regulation of the implantation of transgenic or GM crops in Peru makes it pertinent to mention a decision issued by the Office for the Defense of Competition in 2010.

A recent discussion on the regulation of the implantation of transgenic or genetically modified crops in the country makes it pertinent to mention a decision issued by the Office for the Defense of Competition (INDECOPI) in 2010 that can be used to prevent hidden commercialisation of these products.

This resolution stated that food prepared from transgenic products must contain this information on its label, whether or not there is proof that the products are harmful to health. Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms.

Genetically modified organisms have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques. These techniques are much more precise than mutagenesis (mutation breeding), where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change. GM foods were first put on the market in the early 1990s.


INDECOPI, Peru, GM foods, transgenic products

WIPR