Editing Lecithin (section)

===Genetically modified crops as a source of lecithin===
As described above, lecithin is highly processed. Therefore, genetically modified (GM) [[protein]] or [[DNA]] from the original [[Genetically-modified crops|GM crop]] from which it is derived often is undetectable – in other words, it is not substantially different from lecithin derived from non-GM crops.<ref name=MarxDissertation>{{cite thesis|first=Gertruida M.|last=Marx|type=PhD|publisher=University of the Free State|date=December 2010 |url=http://etd.uovs.ac.za/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-10042011-094627/unrestricted/MarxGM.pdf |title=Monitoring of genetically modified food products in South Africa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109042604/http://etd.uovs.ac.za/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-10042011-094627/unrestricted/MarxGM.pdf |archive-date=2015-01-09 }}</ref> Nonetheless, consumer concerns about [[genetically modified food]] have extended to highly purified derivatives from GM food, such as lecithin.<ref name=Navigator>{{cite web|website=FoodNavigator|date=July 1, 2005|url=http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Danisco-emulsifier-to-subsitute-non-GM-soy-lecithin-as-demand-outstrips-supply|title=Danisco emulsifier to substitute non-GM soy lecithin as demand outstrips supply|access-date=January 15, 2013|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021114339/http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/Danisco-emulsifier-to-subsitute-non-GM-soy-lecithin-as-demand-outstrips-supply|url-status=live}}</ref> This concern led to policy and regulatory changes in the [[European Union|EU]] in 2000, when Commission Regulation ([[European Commission|EC]]) 50/2000 was passed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32000R0050&model=guichett|title=Regulation (EC) 50/2000|website=europa.eu|access-date=2013-01-15|archive-date=2013-10-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016012459/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32000R0050&model=guichett|url-status=live}}</ref> which required [[Regulation of the release of genetic modified organisms#Labeling and traceability|labelling of food containing additives derived from GMOs]], including lecithin. Because it is nearly impossible to detect the origin of derivatives such as lecithin, the European regulations require those who wish to sell lecithin in [[Europe]] to use a meticulous, but essential system of [[identity preservation]] (IP).<ref name=MarxDissertation /><ref>{{cite journal|first1=John|last1=Davison|first2=Yves|last2=Bertheau|date=2007|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228628711|title=EU regulations on the traceability and detection of GMOs: difficulties in interpretation, implementation, and compliance|journal=CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources|volume=2|issue=77|page=77|doi=10.1079/PAVSNNR20072077|access-date=2017-11-01|archive-date=2024-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406201024/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228628711_EU_Regulations_on_the_Traceability_and_Detection_of_GMOs_Difficulties_in_Interpretation_Implementation_and_Compliance|url-status=live}}</ref>