Japan to Label GMO Food Imports, Implications and Benefits Seen for U.S. Food Processors.

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MAFF) wants food manufacturers to clearly label their packaging for any ingredients that have been genetically modified (GMOs). The measure will be applied to tofu, snacks and tempura flour, among other products designated by the ministry

The ministry says compulsory labeling is a prudent measure considering growing consumer concerns about genetically altered food products. However, actual implementation of the new labeling rules is expected to be limited as food makers already are voicing opposition to the ministry's plan, claiming that it will be technically difficult to maintain the trustworthiness of such labeling. Some consumer groups worry that products made from rapeseed, cotton and potatoes may be left out of the compulsory labeling because tracing GMOs in those ingredients can involve a complex testing process. The groups say labeling should cover farm products before they are processed, thereby ensuring that all food containing modified ingredients can be identified.

Japan is one of the world's largest importers of GMOs due to its heavy dependence on agricultural imports from the United States, the largest producer of genetically altered crops. And, as Japan prepares to label foods containing GMOs, some U.S. companies see potential in marketing the GMO-free foods increasingly sought by consumers concerned about safety, industry officials say. The move is expected to spark interest in non-GMO imports including traditional tofu soybean curd.

So far, Japan has approved 22 varieties of GMO crops under its safety guidelines, including soybeans, corn, rapeseed, potatoes, cotton and tomatoes. Its annual imports of soybeans for food are estimated at 800,000 to 1 million tonnes, while imports of soybeans for edible oils are approximately 3.8 million tonnes.

Japan's decision to label is important as it likely will affect major food-exporters, the United States and Canada, which have been involved in a heated dispute with the EU over genetically modified farm products. While U.S. farmers increase their output of GMO crops, the EU is tightening controls on the modified crops.

A Japanese government committee is scheduled to decide on the labels by the end of August.