GMOs, A Global Debate: Russia’s Regulations Not Enforced Times Ahead

Is GM Food Necessary in Russia?

By Kirill Belan Epoch Times Staff

PYATIGORSK, Russia—Since 2007, the Russian government has required that foods containing more than 0.9 percent genetically modified (GM) material be labeled, but due to lack of implemented controls, many GM foods are unlabeled.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) first appeared on the Russian market in the 1990s. Currently, 17 strains of genetically modified crops—including types of maize, soy, potatoes, rice, and beets—are allowed as imports in Russia. Other varieties not permitted are nonetheless often included in many food products entering the country.

GM components are found in bakery products, and meat and dairy products. Anti-GMO activists are particularly concerned about the presence of GMOs in infant food. The most common additive is GM soy resistant to the herbicide Roundup.

The government commission charged with assessing the safety of GM crops has not approved any GM crops as safe. As a result, cultivation of GMOs is officially banned in Russia. In practice, however, there is a concern that GM crops may be grown in the country, as rigorous controls are not in place to check crops.

Is GM Food Necessary in Russia?

A chief inspector at Rospotrebnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being), Gennady Onishchenko, spoke about GMOs at the Nevsky International Ecological Congress on May 21, 2013.

He said that biotechnology, including genetic modification, is necessary to ensure the world’s population has quality food in a sufficient quantity. GM crops are often made to resist pests, inclement weather, and other factors that impact crop health.

A month later, at a meeting of the Federation Council, Onishchenko said he considers GM products a scientific achievement, but he recognizes the risks involved in their use.