Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have become one of the most controversial topics in agriculture, public health, and global trade over the past three decades. First introduced in the 1990s to enhance agricultural productivity and improve resistance to pests and environmental stressors, these products have since raised concerns regarding their potential environmental impacts, food safety implications, and ethical dimensions. To address these concerns, labeling and traceability systems have been widely adopted as key biosafety tools. Countries differ significantly in their regulatory approaches to GMO labeling and governance. For instance, the European Union follows a precautionary and stringent regulatory framework based on strict labeling requirements, whereas countries such as the United States and Brazil—among the world’s largest producers and consumers of GM crops—adopt more flexible and innovation-oriented approaches. In contrast, countries such as Canada and Argentina implement product-based assessment systems and comparatively less interventionist policies. These regulatory divergences may influence consumer trust and international trade dynamics. Evidence suggests that transparency in labeling, along with effective traceability systems, can enhance consumer choice and trust, and facilitate the rapid identification and management of products in cases of food safety concerns or market disruptions. This article provides a comparative analysis of labeling and traceability systems across different regions of the world and argues that greater regulatory harmonization and enhanced transparency may strengthen public trust and facilitate global trade in genetically modified products.
Babaei N, Nikoochoubdar F. An Overview of Labeling and Traceability Systems for Genetically Modified Products in Different Countries: Challenges, Approaches, and Lessons Learned. Journal of Biosafety 2025; 18 (1) :85-102 URL: http://journalofbiosafety.ir/article-1-630-en.html