www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

The South Korean government said Wednesday that all products with
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be clearly labelled as such under
a plan to enhance consumer rights, April 2007.

The plan, which goes into effect on June 29, is an expansion of current
identification requirements designed to protect the environment and consumer
health. Under the current rules, it is only mandatory to identify
genetically modified beans, bean sprouts, corn and potatoes.

Products containing GMOs, which have been artificially transformed in labs
to improve output, taste and resistance to disease, have drawn criticism
over their possible adverse effects on the ecosystem and human health.

"The changes call for all GMO products that are imported and manufactured
for human consumption to be labelled," said Kim Young-man, head of the
Agriculture Ministry's agriculture distribution bureau.

To encourage enforcement of the new rules, the official said people who
report mislabeling will be given cash rewards of up to 2 million won
(US$2,130).

Kim stressed that the move is not aimed to hurt imports of GMO products from
such countries as the United States, and speculated that it will not cause
complaints.

"The actions are not new and are only an expansion of existing procedures,"
he said.

In addition to GMO products, the ministry said it will start a nationwide
probe to ferret out mislabeling of fresh and processed agricultural goods
starting on April 1.

The latest actions are to cover both fresh produce like melons, watermelons,
strawberries and peaches as well as manufactured products including bread,
noodles and curry.

Because of higher prices and stronger consumer demand, some importers and
retailers have intentionally mislabeled cheap imports as being produced in
the country.

The ministry said those found to have tried to mislead consumers could face
a fine of under 100 million won [US$106,000] or a jail term of less than
seven years.

[english.yna.co.kr]