Food authority survey reveals misleading food labels

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recently announced details of a survey that highlights misleading GM free claims on food labels.

The Survey of Foodstuffs for the Presence of Genetically Modified (GM) Soy​ was undertaken by the FSAI to determine the level of GM content in dried soy products, soy substitutes for dairy products and soy infant formulae to ensure that industry is adhering to Food Labelling Regulations.

The results of this survey reveal that though 18 of the 37 samples tested were found to have GM ingredients, all were under the threshold of 1 per cent that triggers mandatory GM labelling and those identified were derived from an EU authorised GM soybean. EU Labelling Regulations relating to GM foods require that food containing genetically modified ingredients above the 1 per cent threshold, must have clear labelling to indicate that it contains GM ingredients.

Six of the 18 samples that tested positive for GM ingredients were mislabelled; 5 indicated they contained no GM ingredients and 1 was labelled as organic. Under current European legislation, for a food to be labelled as organic or GM free it must not contain any GM ingredients.

According to there are no known health implications arising from the presence of the GM ingredients identified in these products. This is more an issue of enabling consumers to be informed before they make a purchase should they chose not to buy GM foods.

Speaking at the announcement, Dr Patrick O'Mahony, Chief Specialist, Biotechnology, FSAI commented: "EU legislation governing the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs is clear in its stipulation that food labels must not mislead the public on the composition or production methods of a food, or make false claims as to the properties of a food.​

If industry wants to benefit from any marketing advantages derived from labelling their produce as GM free or organic, then it is obliged to ensure that these foods are indeed free of GM ingredients. The implications are that either industry spends more on expensive GM analysis or it desists from making claims on its products that it is unable to justify."​

The FSAI stated that it has contacted the retailers, suppliers and manufacturers whose products were included in the survey to inform them of the test results and to ensure their future compliance with labelling regulations.

This is the second in a series of surveys by the FSAI and the products were all bought 'off the shelf' by the FSAI in a number of health food shops and supermarkets.