EU relaxes GM food rules: Gene-edited crops exempt from labelling from 2028
The European Parliament on Wednesday voted to relax strict EU rules on genetically modified (GM) foods, allowing crops developed using modern gene-editing techniques to be sold without mandatory labelling in supermarkets from mid-2028. The landmark decision, adopted by a majority vote, removes risk assessments and transparency requirements for many gene-edited plants, a move supporters say will accelerate climate-resilient and high-yield crops but critics warn could undermine consumer choice and biodiversity.
Under the new framework, plants modified using techniques such as CRISPR that do not introduce foreign DNA will no longer require special authorisation or consumer labelling, according to multiple reports on 17 June 2026 . The rules, which take effect in two years, were finalised after the Parliament rejected amendments that would have delayed or expanded oversight, confirming the policy shift first signalled in earlier drafts .
Proponents argue the changes will unlock innovation in sustainable agriculture. The Protein Brewery, a Dutch biotech firm, secured EU approval on the same day for Fermotein, a novel protein derived from gene-edited microbes, marking a first under the bloc’s updated novel food regime . French newspaper Le Monde described the move as authorising “a new generation of GMOs, non-transgenic, that modify plant genomes without introducing foreign DNA” .
Opposition came from Greens, Social Democrats and Left MEPs, who unsuccessfully sought to block or amend the proposal. German daily Süddeutsche Zeitung noted their efforts were rebuffed as the Parliament closed the file . Critics warn the absence of labelling and risk testing could erode public trust and harm ecosystems, while supporters, including farming and industry groups, contend the reforms will help Europe adapt to climate change and reduce reliance on imported feed and food.
The decision follows years of debate over “new genomic techniques” and arrives as the EU seeks to balance innovation with precaution. Implementation is scheduled for mid-2028, giving member states and food businesses time to adapt to a regulatory landscape that no longer treats gene-edited crops the same as older-style GMOs.
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