A global consensus has been reached on the custom printed labels that should be applied to food products that contain genetically modified (GM) ingredients.

The deal, which covers more than 100 countries - including the US, which was previously vehemently opposed to GM product labelling - was brokered by the Codex Alimentarius Commissionii after 20 years of ardent campaigning by GM activists.

At the Codex summit, hosted in Geneva, the US did a U-turn on its stance on the printed labels.

Key to the new consensus is the fact that any country that would like to introduce GM labelling will not face legal opposition from the World Trade Organization.

Michael Hansen, a Consumers International delegate who attended the Geneva summit, said: "We are particularly pleased that the new guidance recognises that GM labelling is justified as a tool for post market monitoring."

Recently, the European Union voted in favour of giving member states the right to ban the cultivation of GM crops on their soil.

Denny Bros Ltd, 11 July 2011