Starting 2008, LMOs to undergo extra scrutiny

Korea plans to tighten its regulatory oversight of all genetically modified living organisms sold in the country starting in 2008, the government said yesterday.
The rules call for more stringent evaluations of living modified organism products, labeling requirements and handling, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy said.
Under revised rules, all living modified organisms, known as LMOs, must be checked for side effects to both humans and the ecosystem. In the past, LMOs used for food were checked for possible negative effects on humans, but not the environment.
The ministry said that six government ministries are to issue import permits according to how LMOs are to be used. For LMOs designated for industrial use, the Commerce and Industry Ministry will check for safety. Those being brought into the country for human or animal consumption or local cultivation are to be examined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The ministries of environment, maritime affairs, health and science are also to inspect LMOs.
The move comes as local concerns are mounting about the side effects of LMOs on human health and the environment. As of last year, there were 102 million hectares of LMO crops raised worldwide, up sharply from 1.7 million hectares in 1996. Korea imported $740 million worth of LMOs last year.
In addition, the government said all LMOs must be labeled the minute they undergo import processing.
Yonhap