FOOD SCIENCE ›› 2020, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (5): 282-289.doi: 10.7506/spkx1002-6630-20190409-113

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The European Union’s Experience in Prudential Supervision over Genetically Modified Foods and Its Enlightenment for China

LIU Ting   

  1. (School of Transnational Law, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai 201701, China)
  • Online:2020-03-15 Published:2020-03-23

Abstract: In order to avoid economic losses caused by the accidental admixture of genetically modified (GM) crops and to empower consumers to make fully informed choices, the European Commission has implemented the coexistence guidelines, under which, GM crops, at the top of the food supply chain, will also be regulated. The EU has implemented prudential supervision over GM foods from legal principles to regulatory models and from legislative frameworks to law enforcement entities, which provides a new path for risk management of GM foods. The regulation of GM foods in China and innovations in this field can draw on the EU experience in imposing strict control on the risks of GM foods. At present, GM food regulation in China is still at an exploratory stage, which is in transition from rule by law to rule of law. GM food regulation under the rule of law is in a more flexible manner, and the legal basis for it is more perfect. The regulatory authority’s initiative can be brought into full play under the rule of law. Hence, the principles of GM food regulation in the country should be further specified, and the regulatory framework and model should be improved. Ensuring administration according to law, strict law enforcement and strict punishment on violations are essential to achieve the goal of GM food regulation.

Key words: genetically modified foods, prudential supervision, co-existence guidelines, information paradigm, principle of proportionality

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