US Democrats urge labels on biotech foods
WASHINGTON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Some 48 mostly Democratic members of Congress
urged federal regulators on Friday to require labels on U.S. foods made with
bioengineered ingredients, following the lead of the European Union.
The pressure from lawmakers comes at a time when the Food and Drug
Administration has launched an effort to find out if Americans want more
information about genetically-modified (GM) soybeans, corn and potatoes and
other ingredients.
The FDA currently does not require labels, based on its scientists' view
that GM crops do not pose health or safety risks any different from
traditional breeding techniques.
But faced with growing unease among American consumers, the agency will hold
a series of public meetings later this month to take a fresh look at its own
policies.
Rep. David Bonior, the second-ranking Democrat in the House, said the FDA
must ensure that consumers get the "vital information" they need about
bioengineered foods.
About 70 percent of foods sold in U.S. grocery stores contain a genetically
altered ingredient, Bonior said.
"Without labeling and ensuring their right-to-know, consumers' interests are
not adequately protected," he and other lawmakers said in a letter to FDA
Commissioner Jane Henney.
Three Republicans -- Benjamin Gilman of New York, Christopher Shays of
Connecticut and Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland -- also signed the letter.
"We believe that the labeling provisions of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act,
which are intended to ensure that consumers are provided thorough
information and are not misled about the characteristics of their food,
require the FDA to label genetically engineered or modified foods," the
letter said.
Also signing the letter was Rep. Dennis Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat, who is
drafting a bill for mandatory labels.
The lawmakers said the FDA can require the special labels, much like it does
for foods treated with irradiation or to identify a fruit juice as fresh or
frozen.
The U.S. food industry, which fought nutritional labelling of foods years
ago, opposes labels for GM foods as costly and confusing for shoppers. Food
companies contend that consumers can get the information they need from
toll-free telephone numbers, web sites and brochures available in grocery
stores.
The European Union recently said it would require labels on foods containing
more than one percent GM ingredients, in response to green groups and
consumer activists who expressed concern about long-term health effects of
gene alterations.
Japan, Australia and other countries have also adopted labelling
requirements.
18:06 11-05-99