New legal challenge over "hidden" GMOs in food

A legal action has been launched against the UK government over new regulations that remove labelling requirements for some genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Sustain member Beyond GM is asking for support to cover the costs and liabilities of the judicial review.

Beyond GM filed a pre-action letter on 16 June 2025, giving notice to Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed of its intention to pursue a judicial review of regulations introduced in May under the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Regulations 2025.

The regulations were brought in under the Genetic Technology Act 2023, which created a new category of GMOs called "precision bred organisms" (PBOs). The new Regulations exempt these new GMOs from the labelling, traceability, monitoring and safety assessment that govern other GMOs. 

Beyond GM's legal team at Leigh Day and Matrix Chambers has identified potential violations of the Human Rights Act, the Aarhus Convention and the Habitats Directive. They claim the regulations also exceed Parliamentary authorisation by preventing safety testing.

In addition, the new regulations raise concerns for Scotland and Wales, which have explicitly rejected the Genetic Technology Act and oppose GMO cultivation, could be forced to accept unlabelled precision bred organisms in their markets.

Polls show 80% of UK consumers want all GMOs clearly labelled and traceable through the food chain. 

Beyond GM is pursuing urgent crowdfunding through the CrowdJustice platform to help fund the judicial review, and demands the regulations be revoked before becoming operational in November 2025. 

The legal challenge is supported by major organic and artisanal food producers, including Doves Farm, Daylesford Organic, Planet Organic, Abbey Home Farm, Holden Farm Dairy, Hodmedod’s as well as journalist and author Joanna Blythman. They say the new regulations will make it much harder for thriving farms and food businesses that want to – or need to, as is the case with organic – remain GMO-free.

See the website Stop Hidden GMOs for more and to read the pre-action letter.