Genetically Modified Food Labeling in China.docVIP

Genetically Modified Food Labeling in China 　　Abstract：Although genetically modified food has been common in China， the public still has many concerns about its safety. In order to protect consumers rights and better encourage the development of trans-genetic technology， the legislation of genetically modified food labeling has been an urgent demand in China. Currently， there are two major labeling system in the world： mandatory labeling and voluntary labeling The choice of the genetically modified food labeling is influenced by many factors such as production scale， international trade and consumers’ attitudes. Considering China’s situation and learning from other countries experiences， China ought to take mandatory labeling system rather than voluntary labeling system. 　　Key words： Genetically modified food； food labeling； China 　　In China， genetically modified food ， as a new technology， has not been fully accepted by the public. Although it has brought many benefits for human beings， its potential risks have not been adequately tested. “Many sources generate informational and persuasive messages about GM technologies that compete to help determine consumer perceptions and adoption of the new technology. In the case of food， the product label is a powerful medium for delivering messages”（Roe et al. 49）. Therefore， genetically modified food labeling may be an effective way to appease strong oppositions to genetically modified food in China. And many countries have used the way of labeling genetically modified foods to protect consumers’ rights. 　　Now there are two main methods of genetically modified food labeling around the world： voluntary labeling and mandatory labeling. Both voluntary labeling and mandatory labeling have its own advantages and disadvantages. Mandatory labeling can better protect consumers’ rights but its cost is relatively high. Voluntary labeling is more flexible but more difficult to get the real information.（Dannenberga et al. 373）