FDA Rejects Call to Label Genetically Engineered Foods or Test for Safety

New Rules Will Restrict Labeling of Non-GE Foods

Food First 18jan01

(Oakland, CA) New Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposals do not require the testing or labeling of GE foods, while actually restricting labeling of non GE foods, according to Food First/The Institute for Food and Development Policy, a food policy think tank based in Oakland, CA.

"Despite a PR offensive claiming that the government regulations are finally taking a firm stand on GE foods, closer examination reveals this to be a hollow claim," says Dr. Peter Rosset, Co-director of Food First. "These rules, if they can be called that, are not nearly as tough as those for food additives. In reality the FDA is providing industry with a thinly disguised whitewash."

According to the FDA summary of the proposed regulations, before marketing their products, GE food producers have 120 days to submit information on their products. However, despite the recent StarLink controversy, the proposals do not require pre-market safety testing or environmental review of GE foods. Furthermore, information submitted by GE food producers may not be made public.

Food producers using non-GE products that decide to label their foods will have to verify their claims through chain of custody documentation, test results, or be certified organic.

"On the surface, these new regulations appear to be an incremental step in the right direction," says Mr. Rosset. "But a closer look reveals that the FDA still sees no reason to give the consumer full disclosure on these GE products and treats the consumer like guinea pigs. In fact, the burden of regulation in labeling falls on non-GE producers."

Food First is urging that these proposed regulations be revised by placing a moratorium on commercial use of GE foods until mandatory testing proves them safe and requiring that all foods containing GE ingredients be labeled as such. The new FDA proposals are subject to a public review period until April 3, 2001.

Food First/Institute for Food and Development Policy was founded in 1975 by Frances Moore Lappé and Joseph Collins following the success of the book, Diet for A Small Planet. Recognized as "one of the country’s most established food think tanks" by The New York Times, Food First is a leading progressive think tank and education-for-action center.

For more information please contact Nick Parker, Media Coordinator, at (510) 654-4400 ext. 229.