Animal Identification and Traceability Under the US National Animal Identification System

The identification of animals has a long history in the United States. Since the late nineteenth century, livestock producers have used brands to mark their animals. Ear tags and other marks now identify individual animals or animals from a specific producer, but not all livestock are identified to facilitate traceability

Traceability and Labeling of Genetically Modified Crops, Food, and Feed in the European Union

In the last several years, European Union (E.U.) policy has encouraged development of biotechnology, including genetically modified (GM) (that is, bioengineered) agricultural crops. The E.U. developed a strategy for life sciences and biotechnology, directed toward improving the competitiveness of the European biotechnology sector and the general situation for European biotechnology. E.U. documents have acknowledged the potential significance of genetically modified crops-for example, the conclusion in a recent report that the potential of plant genomics and biotechnology to deliver major advances in our lifestyles and prosperity is enormous. [Biotechnology] can also maintain and enhance the competitiveness of E.U. farmers and food producers. Nonetheless, producers and consumers in the E.U. have been reluctant to grow GM crops or to consume GM foods, and scientists disagree about the risks and net benefits of GM crops and food products. European Community (E.C.) legislators enacted new regulatory measures only after long deliberation, and some Member States continue to object to the use of GM crops and foods in their territories

Coexistence of Genetically Modified, Conventional, and Organic Crops in the European Union: The Community Framework

Abstract Increased global cultivation of GM crops raises concerns about the coexistence of GM varieties with conventional and organic crops. In the European Union, where few GM crops are grown, GM content that exceeds strict regulatory thresholds triggers requirements for labelling and traceability. Successful coexistence measures can minimize GM presence and avoid those labelling and traceability requirements. Though the European Union does not impose standards for coexistence, a 2003 Commission Recommendation lays down guidelines for Member State strategies and best practices. Member States have enacted (or will enact) coexistence measures, including education, notification, and on-farm practices. Significant issues related to coexistence include limits on GM content in seeds, the effects of GMOs on organic production, the legality of GM-free areas in the European Union, and liability for damage caused by commingling of GM and other crops.</jats:p