The chairman of the House agriculture and food committee has rejected a proposal to require labeling of genetically modified products, saying this would be unfair to producers.

This was in reaction to a call by several local government units and various sectors for lawmakers to legislate mandatory labeling as a safety measure.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Benasing O. Macarambon, Jr. said manufacturers of genetically engineered products would be put at a disadvantage against organic producers by having to spend for additional labeling costs. GMO producers, he added, would sell at much higher prices than unlabeled organic goods.

The issue of mandatory labeling of GMO products has become the usual practice abroad amid calls for consumer protection.

But Mr. Macarambon allayed fears about the safety of GMO products. He said consumers have become paranoid due to opposition to GMOs.

He added that so far, there had been "no record of damage to humans" as a result of consumption of GMO products. "There have been no clear indications as to adverse effects [GMO5 may bring]."

While no such bill has been filed in the House, Senator Pia 5. Cayetano has filed Senate Bill 2052, which seeks to charge distributors of GMO products without appropriate labels a fine of up to P100,000 and imprisonment of up to six months.

Under the bill, manufacturers must inform the public that genetic engineering was used in product manufacturing, and by which method.

They must also show that a product had undergone safety tests and that it had been authorized for distribution by the Bureau of Food and Drugs.