GM Labelling Law in Kenya

The state of Kenyan agri-biotechnology was presented in a report by the USDA FAS GAIN. The Report presented the listings of approved events for field trials, import and transit, contained use research activities, and the government policy. A particular focus on the issue of GE (genetically enhanced) labelling was reported. It started in 2010 when the government of Kenya through the Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KEBS) published a regulation requiring the labeling of GE foods, feed or ingredients.

Current regulations which amended the National Biosafety Law of 2009 imposed a more strict labelling law. There is reduction of the adventitious presence of unapproved events from five to one percent, use of GM–free labelling can only be used when there is below one percent threshold, labels should refer to the GE content with same font size as the other ingredients, and should have a reference to the CODEX Standard CAC/GL 76 2011.

This strict labelling which also carries fines of not exceeding twenty million Kenya Shillings ($235,300) and/or imprisonment not to exceed ten years, restricts trading with countries producing GM corn, elevating corn prices and lowering supply for the feed and livestock industry.

Details of this news can be seen at http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Agricultural%20Biotechnology%20Annual_Nairobi_Kenya_7-16-2012.pdf