GMO fears disrupt trade in food and feeds

Increased production of genetically modified crops around the globe is disrupting trade in food and feed between countries.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found in a survey that 26 countries had blocked imports after finding traces of GMO.

“Trade disruptions may be very costly. FAO is holding a technical consultation to try to start a dialogue between countries on the issue,” FAO senior food safety Officer Renata Clarke said.

The non-tariff barriers follow a higher number of incidents of low level genetically modified organism (GMO) being detected in traded food and feed.

“The numbers of incidents are small relative to the millions of tonnes of food and feed traded every day,” Ms Clarke said. 

There is no international agreement defining or quantifying “low level” and the interpretation varies from one country to another.

In many countries it is interpreted as any level at which detection is possible, while in other countries case-by-case decisions are taken on what level is acceptable. 

Technical forum

FAO said the genetically modified crop in question may be authorised for commercial use or sale in one or more countries but not yet allowed in an importing country.

Therefore, if the importing country detects the unauthorised crop, it may be legally obliged to reject the shipment, it said. 

In the first survey of its kind, 75 out of 193 FAO member countries responded to questions on low levels of GM crops affected international food and animal feed trade.

The survey results will be discussed at a technical forum organised by FAO to be held in Rome on Thursday and Friday this week.

The meeting will review the extent and pattern of trade disruptions caused by the contaminated shipments and other trade issues related to laboratory engineered crops.