The impending implementation of complete labeling for genetically modified organisms (GMO) by the end of the year is raising tensions within the food industry. The new standards for soy sauce will take effect on December 31, while the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is considering moving up the timeline for sugar and oilseed products from the previously scheduled December 31, 2027, to this year, increasing the pressure on companies to prepare.
According to industry sources, the expanded GMO labeling requirements will apply to soy sauces, including Korean and brewed soy sauces, starting December 31. The Ministry is pushing for a revised plan that would accelerate the implementation of labeling for sugars, such as syrup, fructose, and glucose, as well as for oils like soybean, corn, and canola.
The new regulations will focus on whether GMO ingredients were used in the manufacturing and processing stages, rather than detecting GMO DNA or proteins in the final products. This means that even refined products like oils and soy sauces must be labeled if they contain GMO ingredients.
Industry experts believe that transitioning to Non-GMO ingredients within a few months is unrealistic. Grain ingredients like soybeans and corn typically require purchasing contracts months to a year in advance, and securing Non-GMO supplies often involves contracts with producers before planting. Additionally, the global availability of Non-GMO supplies is limited, and they often come at a higher cost.
As a result, major companies are focusing on applying the labeling standards to existing products that use GMO ingredients rather than switching to Non-GMO ingredients immediately. They are conducting thorough checks on the GMO status of ingredients for each product and obtaining relevant documentation from suppliers, while also reviewing their management systems to ensure traceability from ingredient receipt to storage and production.
Changing packaging materials presents another significant challenge. Products subject to labeling will need to incorporate new GMO-related language, necessitating design modifications, printing work, and new packaging orders. Companies must also coordinate when to deplete existing packaging stock and when to introduce new materials, which adds complexity for large food manufacturers with hundreds of items or smaller companies with limited staff.
One industry representative stated, "If we start transitioning to Non-GMO ingredients now, we would have to begin securing supplies from scratch, making it difficult to meet the year-end deadline. It is more realistic to comply with the established labeling standards and then assess consumer reactions and supply conditions before deciding on a transition."
Consumer response will be a key variable moving forward. If resistance to GMO labeling increases, demands for Non-GMO transitions may rise for certain products. This would require not only changing labeling but also revisiting ingredient sourcing, supplier contracts, and production management. The higher costs associated with Non-GMO ingredients and the challenges of securing stable supplies could further strain budgets.
In light of these challenges, the Korea Food Industry Association has identified minimizing the burden of the complete GMO labeling requirement as a key regulatory response for this year. Park Jin-sun, president of the association, noted, "It is difficult to secure Non-GMO ingredients globally, and the issue is not just price increases but the availability of supplies. Moreover, it is challenging to verify the GMO status of imported products, which means only domestic food companies may be subject to these regulations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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