Irish consumers are being misled about the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in health foods, a survey by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has claimed.
Eighteen of 37 products tested revealed a presence of genetically modified soy, with six breaching EU labelling rules, the FSAI found. Five of those found to contain genetically modified soy indicated they contained no GM ingredients, while one was labelled organic.
Granose Soya Cream and Provamel Soya Cream were among the products the FSAI says are in breach of labelling rules. Non-branded products calling themselves Lecithin Granules and Soya Flour were also found to contain traces of GM soya protein despite labelling to the contrary, according to the survey.
A non-branded product called Organic Soya Flour was foundnot to be organic because it contained GMOs.
Manufacturers contend that large batches of soya when tested can show no presence of GMOs but that occasionally genetically modified soya may avoid detection.
Dr Patrick O'Mahony, chief specialist in biotechnology at the FSAI, said he could understand that manufacturers may inadvertently include GMOs in their produce. But he said: "If you’re going to label something GM-free, then you had better make sure it is GM-free".
He said although there was no known health implications arising from the presence of the GM ingredients, consumers were, nonetheless, being misinformed.
The FSAI says it regards the survey as part of an "education process" for manufacturers and that they do not intend to pursue the matter any further currently.
EU rules require that products containing over 1 per cent genetically modified foodstuffs must be clearly labelled indicating the presence GM ingredients.
The survey, published today, is based on a random sample of products containing dried soy, soy substitutes for dairy products and soy infant formula.
The FSAI says it has contacted the retailers, suppliers and manufacturers whose products were included in the survey to inform them of the test results and to ensure their future compliance with labelling regulations.