The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) said Tuesday it plans to set up a special department to handle genetically modified (GM) foods to defray public concern for such foods and strengthen management of stable foods.

The KFDA said it is discussing the personnel make up of the new department with the Government Administration Ministry.

The KFDA plans to create two sections under the new department, one in charge of GM foods and the other to study new foods with 16 professional experts on staff in total.

The new department will begin effectively managing the labelling of GM foods July 13th.

The KFDA said details on safeguarding food items by listing ingredients, including toxic and allergic substances, are being drawn up.