Non-GMO driving Russian food price increase

At present only foods sold in Russia that do contain genetically-modified organisms must declare this on their labels. But following a ruling made by the Moscow regional government in February, from July products sold in that region may bear a new No GMO! label, if they pass testing at one of 16 laboratories. According to the new Russian outlet Kommersant, major retailers have strongly advised food producers to use the mark. It is expected that No GMO! foods could be sold for between 0.5 and 15 per cent more than their counterparts that do not bear the logo. This has led representatives from ten Russian food and drink associations to complain to the city's mayor Yury Luzhkov. They say that the voluntary GMO absence mark is turning into a compulsory requirement. The associations behind the complaint are said to include ASKOND (the association of confectioners), the Russian Union of Juice Producers and the Union of Russia's Beer and Nonalcoholic Beverage Producers. Moscow is one of the most prosperous parts of Russia, with an emerging middle-class that has considerable disposable income to spend on specialty and Western-style products. Moscovians are amongst the Russians the most likely to break with the traditional diet and try new products that have their origins outside of the country. A study by Russia's largest public opinion research body, VCIOM, found in 2005 that 95 per cent of Russians aware of GM ingredients said they were either opposed to them or seriously concerned by them. According to Greenpeace, some 450 companies in Russia have had a no-GM stance since 2005, including Nestle and Coca Cola. But some multinational retailers were said to be guilty of double standards, giving GM-free guarantees on food in Western Europe but not on products in the East. The list of the 16 Moscow laboratories where non-GMO testing can take place is expected to be finalised today.