November/December 2001 Living Now
Prison term for GMO labeling violators

Manila, Philippines - People selling a product that contains GMO (genetically modified organisms) in the Philippines may soon have to label it “genetically engineered” or go to prison for not less than six years but not more than 12 years. If the offender is an alien, he or she can be immediately deported without need of any further proceedings.  Up to 12 years in jail plus a $2,000 fine is the penalty for failing to label that was passed by the Philippine Congress. “Consumers have the right to know the contents of the food items they buy and then decide for themselves whether to buy or not”, said Congressman Del de Guzman of the city of Marikina.

Many countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Russia, 15 countries of the European Union, Mexico, Israel, Taiwan, the Czech Republic and Norway have mandatory laws which call for labelling of GMO products.

http://ens-news.com/ens/aug2001/2001L-08-15-02.html