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While the heavily funded Biotech industry along with major processed food companies in the U.S. continue to oppose any form of labeling requirements to allow consumers information on whether or not a product contains genetically modified ingredients, Russia is moving in the opposite direction, and now approving fines for failing to warn consumers that their products contain genetically modified ingredients.

Russia to Introduce Fines for Failure to Mark GMOs

by RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, August 19 (RIA Novosti) – Russia’s Government Legislative Commission has approved consumer safety watchdog Rospotrebnadzor’s proposal to toughen sanctions and introduce fines for inappropriate marking of genetically modified food, according to an official statement on the Russian government’s website released Tuesday.

“Administrative sanctions will follow the breach of requirements concerning the marking of genetically modified food products or foods that contain genetically modified organisms,” the statement says.

The fines for individuals range from 20,000 to 50,000 rubles ($550 to $1,400), while companies are to be subject to fines of 100,000 to 150,000 rubles ($2,800 to $4,160). Rospotrebnadzor is to be responsible for compiling reports on the cases.

The proposal is aimed at the protection of consumer rights and safeguarding the health of the Russian citizens.

Read the Full Article Here.