Authorisation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods

GM products are foods that are, contain or are derived from genetically modified organisms. They require authorisation and must be labelled. Various GM products are currently authorised in Switzerland.

Authorisation requirement and handling of GM products

GM products require authorisation in Switzerland. When handling GMOs, establishments must put in place suitable measures to prevent unintentional mixing with conventional products.

Under certain conditions, traces of unauthorised GMOs may be tolerated. They are set out in the Ordinance on genetically modified foodstuffs (VGVL). Although these crops are not authorised in Switzerland, they are considered safe for health and the environment.

International transport of GMOs is subject to special regulations. The use of genetically modified animals is only permitted in Switzerland for medical purposes and research.

Article 31 LGV Authorisation requirement

Authorisation procedure

The FSVO works with other federal agencies to assess GM products in the food sector. Authorisation is only granted if there is no risk to health and the environment on the basis of current scientific evidence. After authorisation has been granted, manufacturers must regularly demonstrate that the characteristics of the authorised food have not changed. If there are grounds to suspect a risk to health or the environment, the FSVO may revoke authorisation.

GM products that are produced in a closed system by genetically modified microorganisms and then purified, separated and chemically defined (‘fermentation products’) are subject to a simplified authorisation procedure according to the requirements for the Authorisation of novel foods.

Since July 2020, certain fermentation products can be placed on the market without authorisation from the FSVO. They are listed in the Ordinance on genetically modified foodstuffs (VGVL). This mainly concerns food enzymes and fermentation products that are authorised in the EU as novel foods.

Article 31 paragraph 4 LGV Authorisation requirement

FDHA Ordinance on genetically modified foodstuffs (VGLV), Annex 3 GM products that may be placed on the market without authorisation from the FSVO

Authorised GM products

One soya line, three maize lines and several fermentation products are currently authorised for use in foods in Switzerland.

The list of authorised GM plant varieties is set out in Annex 2 to the VGLV.

FDHA Ordinance on genetically modified foodstuffs (VGLV), Annex 3 GM products that may be placed on the market without authorisation from the FSVO

Tolerance

Traces of unauthorised GMOs may be tolerated under certain conditions. The FSVO approves genetically modified crops or foods made from genetically modified crops that meet certain tolerance criteria. The threshold is 0.5% by mass. Distributors must also demonstrate that they have taken the appropriate steps to avoid such traces. Such traces are deemed safe for health and the environment. If the requirements are not met, the product may not be placed on the market.

Article 32 LGV Tolerance

Article 6 VGVL Tolerance

FDHA Ordinance on genetically modified foodstuffs (VGVL), Annex 2 List of tolerated materials

Goods flow separation

Establishments handling GMOs must ensure that they are not mixed with conventional organisms. To this end, they must put in place a quality assurance system based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) concept. Studies have shown that Switzerland can meet its requirement for maize and soya from conventional sources without exceeding the GMO trace threshold (tolerance).

Labelling

You’ll find information on the labelling of GM products on the page Labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).