The Case to Include GM Labelling in the Consumer Protection
Bill. The Consumer Protection Bill, an act of Parliament devised
to protect the rights of consumers, as its name suggests, has
come before the National Council of Provinces, usually the final
step before ratification. Interestingly the NCOP has asked for
comment on the bill before it is ratified. One issue that has
elicited much debate is the matter of foods derived from crops
that have been genetically modified (GM). Some of the defined
reasons for the Consumer Bill, clearly laid out in the preamble,
include; providing relevant information for consumers, promoting
sustainable and environmentally responsible consumption and
protecting consumers from hazards to their health and safety.
The bill additionally aims to provide effective redress for
consumers, promote consumer participation in the decision making
process and facilitate the freedom of consumers to associate and
form groups to advocate and promote their common interest. In
light of all of th