As of Mar. 31, Brazil is requiring labels to identify those foods that contain more than one percent genetically modified ingredients. Failure to comply is to be penalized with fines and seizure of the product. The labeling decree was signed a year ago, but drawing up regulations and defining the identifying symbol — a simple “T” — took months, and then came a period for companies to adapt their packaging to the new requirements.

“It isn't ideal, but it is a step in the right direction,” said Sezifredo Paz, executive director of the Brazilian Consumer Defense Institute (IDEC). He noted that Sao Paulo state has a stricter law, which requires identification of products with even less than one percent of transgenic ingredients.

In any case, the soybeans harvested last years are the only genetically modified product allowed in the country, and the rest remain banned under a legal decision sought by IDEC. The ban remains in place until another ruling is made or until the biosecurity law currently being debated in the Senate is approved.