Glossary

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Threshold value

Degree (expressed as percentage) of unintentional, technically unavoidable admixture of GMOs in seed, food or feed.

GMO admixtures up to the degree expressed by the threshold value in question are exempt from the labeling requirements valid in the EU. However, this is only so in the case of unintentional, technically unavoidable admixture and when the GMOs in question have been approved. The intentional admixture of GMOs must be indicated as principle, regardless of degree.

Various threshold values are distinguished:

• For food and feed, a threshold of 0.9 per cent is valid in the EU.
• A threshold value for seeds remains undecided.
• No traces of GMOs that are not approved in the EU are permitted in food products. There is zero tolerance at this level. Traces of up to 0.1 per cent have been allowed in animal feed imports since the middle of 2011, but only if the GM plants in question have been approved in the country of origin and if an application for the authorisation of food and feed from these plants has been filed in the EU.