Instructions for handling foods and food products that contain genetically modified materials resulting from modern biotechnology for the year 2018 issued in accordance with Article 8/b of the Food Law No.30 of 2015 and Article 7/k of the General Organization for Food and Drug Law No.41 of 2008.

These Instructions apply to the import and circulation of food or food products that contain genetically modified materials and in which the percentage of the genetically modified substance exceeds 5% of the components of the food, including (i) GMOs destined for food use; (ii) foods that contain or consist of GMOs; (iii) foods obtained from GMOs or that contain components obtained from GMOs; and (iv) genetically modified food additives and preparations in which levels of RNA and DNA or residues of microorganisms are found in the final product, which can be detected by laboratory tests. They aim to maintain a high level of public health by (i) providing a legislative basis for controlling the import and circulation of food, food products, food additives, or food preparations containing genetically modified materials, and providing a database for them; (ii) organizing the license to import and circulation of food, food products, food additives, or food preparations containing genetically modified materials; and (iii) ensuring a high level of knowledge and consumer awareness through specialized studies and programs. It is allowed to import and trade in the aforementioned products intended for human consumption in all forms of processing, provided that (i) they are circulated in the country of origin; (ii) comply with the conditions of these Instructions; (iii) are based on the safety assessment made on the product in the country of origin; and (iv) after obtaining the prior approval of the Food and Drug General Authority. A department shall be established at the Food and Drug General Authority, called the Department of Biosafety of Food, for the purpose of studying and licensing the import and circulation of food, food products, food additives, or food preparations containing GMOs. A Genetically Modified Food Committee shall be set up by decision of the Director General of the Authority responsible for licensing the import and handling of the aforementioned food and products. Every importer or trader of these food and products intended for human consumption shall clearly place the phrase "genetically modified food or food additive (partially or totally)" on the identification card. Article 11 lists the cases in which the Director of the Authority may prohibit the import, or the circulation, seizure, or withdrawal of any food, food products, food additives, or food additive preparations containing GMOs.