The issue of labelling genetically modified (GM) foods is a complex one and so far, no international consensus has been reached on it. Singapore does not currently have any legislation or guideline specific for the labelling of GM foods.
GMAC has set up a subcommittee to monitor international trends and developments and to consider the issue of labelling in relation to Singapore. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the international body jointly established by FAO and WHO to develop food standards and its work is carried out by subsidiary bodies such as the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL). The CCFL is studying the various facets of the labelling issue, such as threshold levels and methods of implementation, to come up with a comprehensive position. Singapore, being a member of Codex, is working with other countries in the CCFL to look into acceptable guidelines on labelling of GM foods.
The composition of the GMAC Subcommittee on Labelling is as follows:
| Name |
Role in GMAC |
Designation |
Organisation |
| Dr Chua Sin Bin |
Subcommittee Chairman |
Principal Consultant |
Agrifood Technologies Pte Ltd |
| Ms Seah Peik Ching |
Member |
Deputy Director
Regulatory Programmes Department
Regulatory Administration Group |
Agri-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) |
| Mr Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz |
Member |
Senior Assistant Director Goods & Standards
International Trade Cluster |
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) |
| Mr Ryan Tan |
Member |
Assistant Director
International Trade Cluster |
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) |
| Mr Jeremy Woon |
Member |
Manager (Biodiversity)
International Trade Cluster
National Biodiversity Centre |
National Parks Board (NParks) |
| Mr Siew Kwok Siong |
Member |
Assistant Head
Marketing & Communication |
Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) |
| Ms Danielle Yeow |
Member |
Deputy-Director General
International Affairs Division |
Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) |
For more information, please see our archived articles:
The Straits Times , 28 Apr 2008
GM Labelling in Line with International Practice
The Straits Times, 9 Apr 2008
Don't be too quick to endorse GM foods |
