Labelling Guide

A basic principle applies to most food products: if genetically modified plants or microorganisms have been used in production, this must be clearly indicated.
Labelling: yes
 

However, under certain conditions, numerous products are exempt from labelling obligations. These exemptions primarily concern additives and processing aids, but also apply to meat, milk and eggs.
Labelling: no
 

The status of flavours, additives and enzymes in regard to labelling obligations is complex. The use of genetic engineering is common, but there is no general labelling practice.
Labelling: flavours, additives and enzymes
 

What it looks like: when the need for GMO labelling has been determined for a product, the wording and placing of this labelling is specified by very precise regulations.
Labelling: how?
 

Labelling is also required for foods which are offered by restaurants, canteens and takeaways - although there are exceptions.
Restaurants and canteens
 

Organic Products: Without genetic engineering

By law, the use of genetical engineering is prohibited for products defined as 'organic'. Nevertheless, these products are permitted in certain cases to contain slight traces of genetically modified organisms.
Labelling: Organic products without genetic engineering
 

Labelled goods hard to find

New, strict labelling regulations took effect in April 2004. Many people expected that they would soon find products with GMO labels in grocery stores. With the notable exception of the Netherlands, GMO labelled products never really appeared.
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