Which Foods Can Contain Genetic Engineering?

German consumers are largely skeptical about foods modified by genetic engineering. Not least because of this, there are currently no directly genetically modified foods such as fruit, vegetables, or animal products in this country. So-called “GM vegetables” or “GM meat” are not commercially available, nor is transgenic maize, soya, or rapeseed grown on a large scale for food production. If genetically modified food ends up in meat or dairy products via animal feed, this is not subject to any labeling requirements under EU law. However, such a roundabout spread of genetic engineering can be avoided by gradually switching to domestic animal feed and certified, more responsible, and non-GM soybeans.

Imported foods such as chocolate, soft drinks, or barbecue sauces from the USA as well as soy and condiments from Asian countries can contain ingredients from plants that have been genetically modified. Genetically modified soybeans are already being grown on a large scale in fields in the USA, Argentina, and Brazil. When buying imported food, you should therefore pay attention to the small print: The German list of ingredients for such products must contain a note such as “made from genetically modified soy [corn, sugar, etc.]”. However, due to the low level of acceptance, such products are almost impossible to find on the German market.

Since 2004, products with a genetic engineering content of more than 0.9 percent have had to be labeled accordingly in accordance with EU law in Germany. As a consumer, you must be able to identify foods that are made directly from genetically modified ingredients such as soy or corn by looking at the list of ingredients. The labeling obligation applies to packaged and unpackaged food, as well as to products offered in canteens and restaurants.

However, the EU law contains a loophole: Products that come from animals that are not genetically modified themselves but have been fed with genetically modified plants do not have to be labeled. Consumers can therefore unknowingly consume milk or meat from animals that have eaten genetically modified soybeans. Additives produced with the help of genetically modified bacteria are also exempt from the labeling requirement.

Since 2008 there has been a new German “Ohne Gentechnik” regulation and since 2009 a uniform seal has been used to mark products that do not use genetic engineering either in production or in animal feed. More and more food producers and retailers are using this seal, but because the labeling is voluntary, not all are.