Belarus has very strict rules regarding labeling of genetically modified foods, Syarhey Dramashka, a top biosafety researcher at the genetics institute of the Belarusian National Academy of Sciences.
In Russia, Kazakhstan and the European Union special labels are required only for food where genetically modified ingredients account for more than 0.9 percent, according to the researcher.
"In Belarus, even if only one molecule of a genetically modified organism is detected in a ton of soybean oil meal, the entire ton will have the GM label," he said.
He said that Belarus' rules were fairer to consumers "as they have the right to know what they consume."
"GM food is not as much dangerous as the media portray it," Mr. Dramashka stressed.
"In my view, people should be more wary of ordinary foodstuffs that have been repeatedly treated with chemicals, including for preserving and improving their appearance and taste," he said.
