Genetically modified food now labelled in Georgia

Georgians will soon know exactly what are they eating thanks to a new law which forces labelling of genetically modified food products.

From July 1, 2015, all products that contain genetically modified components must have proper labels informing consumers and allowing them freedom of choice.

The new law regulated the type of information that must be written on the label. Specifically, if genetically modified components are 0.9 percent more than the product’s total mass, a label stating "GM” must be clearly identified on the top left corner of the product.

Those who break the law will be fined 5,000 GEL. If the wrongdoing repeats the fine will increase to 10,000 GEL.

The law said the label should be "easily perceptible” and "obvious”.

"If food labelling is impossible [the product] must have supporting documents that must contain information about the genetic modification,” stated the law.

Food products that are found to be genetically modified but are not labelled "GM” will be destroyed after the product undergoes a laboratory examination. In this case the business operator (producer or seller) could be fined.