CARTAGENA PROTOCOL AND BRAZIL BIOTECH REGS

UNCLAS BRASILIA 000126

SIPDIS

PLEASE PASS TO STATE/OES/ETC: H.LEE, STATE/EB/TPP/ABT
R.SINGH, AND
USDA/FAS/BIG FOR JPPASSINO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO EAGR EAID SENV KSCA BR
SUBJECT: CARTAGENA PROTOCOL AND BRAZIL BIOTECH REGS

REF: SECSTATE 259661


1. Since the first Meeting of Parties to the Cartagena
Protocol on Biosafety in February 2004, the GOB has
introduced, but still not passed, legislation that
would change regulatory practices concerning biosafety.
Although, the bill is pro-GMO, it would reinforce
existing labeling and documentation requirements.


2. Current Brazilian law maintains a threshold level
of 1 percent for GMOs. Products containing more than 1
percent GMO should be labeled. These standards,
however, are rarely enforced. If passed in its current
form, this new legislation will maintain the
requirement that food and food ingredients destined for
human consumption be labeled as containing GMOs.


3. Comment: The GOB is not likely to readdress this
issue/bill until summer. Post will update as more
information becomes available. End Comment
CHICOLA