The Brazilian government last month turned up the flame on the already-hot debate about transgenics by unveiling labeling rules for genetically modified foodstuffs and indicating it might soon allow the sale of altered seed varieties. Under a decree signed July 18 by President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, any genetically modified ingredient constituting over 4% of a food product must be identified in Portuguese on the product’s label. The single-page decree, to take effect in January following an inter-ministerial review and the possible enactment of complimentary legislation, drew immediate fire. Critics, including consumer and environmental groups and the attorney general’s office (a public watchdog agency), call the measure unacceptably weak. They point out that in Europe, where transgenics are allowed in soy and corn... [Log in to read more]