Germany says restaurant food must be marked as GMO

(March 31, 2004)

HAMBURG (Reuters) - Restaurant and canteen food containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be clearly marked when new rules on GMO labelling take effect in April, the German government said on Wednesday.

On April 18 new European Union rules mean food on sale in shops will have to be labelled if it contains GMOs. Animal feed sold to farmers will also have to be labelled.

The rules also apply to restaurants, Junior German Agriculture and Consumer Protection Minister Alexander Mueller said in a statement.

"If canteens or restaurants use genetically-modified food this must be clearly marked on the menu or in a notice," he said.

The ministry has completed talks with German state authorities, responsible for food inspections, and food industry associations to achieve a smooth implementation of the new regulations, Mueller said.

"It is now the responsibility of the private sector to fulfill its labelling responsibilities," he added.

He expected state authorities to increase food inspections from April 18.