Maximum level (in percent) of unintentional, technically unavoidable GMO content in seed, food, or feed that does not need to be labelled

GMO admixtures of up to a certain proportion are excluded from EU labelling requirements. The exclusion is only valid for unintentional and technically unavoidable content of GMOs that are already authorised in the EU. Intentional use of GMOs requires labelling regardless of how small the proportion of GMO content.

Different thresholds exist:

• The legal threshold for GMO content in food and feed in the EU is 0.9 percent.
• The threshold level for GMO content in seed has not yet been determined. The European Commission has suggested thresholds from 0.3 to 0.7 percent, depending on the crop. Discussion remains ongoing.
• GMOs that have not yet been authorised in the EU but have already undergone a safety assessment and are consequently considered safe are tolerated for a three year interim period up to a threshold of 0.5 percent. After the interim period has expired, there will be zero tolerance.