The Research Of Labeling System Of Genetically Modified Food Under The WTO Framework

Since the21st century, all kinds of new technology developedrapidly. It influenced and changed people’s mode of production andlifestyle. Transgenic technology was the most advanced one amongbiotechnology, and made the largest contribution to global food security.With the rapid development of transgenic technology, the categories andquantities of genetically modified (GM) food increased sharply. Generalpublic had more opportunities to contact with it. However, for lack ofsufficient scientific evidence to prove its safety, more and more peoplelooked at GM food with fear and doubt. Laws and regulations on GMfood were restricted by many factors, such as lack of sufficient scientificevidence. Labeling system of GM food can play a positive role incoordinating lack of sufficient scientific evidence, limitations of the lawsand regulations and public skepticism. Therefore, various countries in theworld will focus on establishing suitable labeling system duringtransgenic legislation, and promote labeling system to play a role in protecting or facilitating trade. Under the world circumstances of frequenttrade disputes on GM food, China should actively study and make use ofrelevant systems of WTO, and establish the labeling system of GM foodsuitable for its own national conditions, to combine protecting humanrights with promoting trade development.This paper consists of four chapters. Chapter one raises the questionabout the labeling system of GM food. Firstly it introduces the concept ofGM food and its situations in international trade. Then it analyzes thecurrent situation of legislation on world labeling system of GM food, andthe economic and social reasons behind those different legislations.Finally it analyzes the theoretical basis of different labeling system ofGM food.Chapter two sets forth the choosing application of labeling system ofGM food under the WTO framework, by analyzing relevant contents ofGATT1947, SPSAgreement and TBTAgreement.Chapter three further analyzes the legal source of WTO’s control onlabeling system of GM food on base of Chapter two, and sets forth theexpansibility of WTO regulation by explaining the coexistence andconflicts between WTO agreements and multilateral treaty.Chapter four introduces the current situation of legislation of China’slabeling system of GM food, and its deficiencies compared with othercountries’. At last, this paper makes some suggestions to improve China’s labeling system of GM food on base of in-depth knowledge of WTOagreements and other counties’advanced legislative experience.