Concerns over NGTs grow within food chain

The discussion around new genomic techniques is receiving increasing attention across the food chain. Bionext and affiliated organizations are warning about the implications for transparency, traceability, and patents. The trigger is the ongoing European decision-making process surrounding techniques such as CRISPR-Cas, on which the European Parliament is expected to vote soon.

Less transparency for consumers

Together with Biohuis, BioNederland, and the Biowinkelvereniging, Bionext sent a letter to several stakeholders, including retailers, CBL, FNLI, and LVVN. Through this letter, the organizations respond to the proposed European legislation surrounding new genomic techniques (NGTs).

According to the organizations, the new regulations reduce transparency for consumers. Labels may no longer be required to indicate whether genetic modification has been used. In their view, this puts consumer freedom of choice under pressure. The organizations also refer to research showing that consumers place significant value on clear information about the origin and production methods of food.

Keeping product flows separated becomes more difficult

According to Bionext, the food chain is also facing practical challenges. The organic sector excludes genetic engineering, while detection and traceability of NGTs remain limited. As a result, keeping product flows separated becomes more difficult.

This could lead to unintended mixing of products. According to the organizations, that may affect the organic status of products.

The organizations are also concerned about patents on seeds and crop traits developed through NGTs. In their view, an increase in such patents could lead to market concentration, higher costs, and less freedom of choice for growers and consumers.

Questions from consumers

According to Bionext, these developments are also raising questions among consumers. These include issues surrounding transparency, traceability, and managing the risks of unintended mixing. In that context, the organizations point to the European campaign ‘Blacked Out Ingredients’. The campaign calls attention to the importance of clear information about NGTs on labels.

Bionext states that it will further analyze the impact of the final legislation on organic companies, supply chain partners, and consumers once the definitive legal text becomes available.

Bionext.nl