In a release supporting the hearings, BIO stated: "BIO supports FDA's science-based policies regarding biotech foods. This includes FDA's consultation process for reviewing all biotech foods and food labeling practices based on health, safety and nutritional considerations." 

One area of confusion for observers of the biotech regulation process is that the review by FDA is voluntary. In fact, it is a de facto mandatory standard, which companies submit to when working to get approval for a biotech product. 

As for labeling, BIO supports the FDA's findings that foods derived from crops improved through biotechnology are not necessarily different from foods derived from crops improved through conventional plant breeding. The FDA requires labels on all foods whose nutritional content has been changed and on all foods that may pose a health risk, such as an allergic reaction.

This is becoming a bigger issue as Congress begins looking at the labeling issue. A bill was introduced into the House in early November calling for labeling of foods that contain genetically modified crops.

BIO counters that foods derived from biotech crops have been tested more than any other foods in history. Test data confirm that these foods pose no greater threat to the environment or human health than plants modified by conventional breeding. In fact, in many cases, biotech crops and foods enhance our environment and health. 

Carl B. Feldbaum, president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, issued the following statement in advance of the Food and Drug Administration's upcoming hearing on foods derived from biotechnology

"For the last 20 years, biotechnology has brought breakthrough drugs and vaccines to help patients with such diseases as cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, and cystic fibrosis. These therapies and cures have gained acceptance after years of testing and FDA review.

"Now, agricultural biotechnology is seeing the same pattern of resistance that greeted the introduction of biotechnology into medicine. 

"When biotech companies established drug research labs in the 1970s, the new technology brought forth questions and protests. Some people had thoughtful questions. Others challenged the science because they didn't like change. But today, no one can deny the benefits biotech medicines have brought to more than 200 million people suffering from or threatened by
serious and life-threatening diseases.

"Introducing any new technology into our lives should be done cautiously. It is appropriate that questions should be asked about genetically engineered crops and foods. The public's concerns should be respected. However, we should not let those who steadfastly resist progress set the agenda for the rest of society. People also have a right to know about the current and future benefits of agricultural biotechnology, which eventually, like our drugs, will significantly contribute to our health.

"Here in the United States, the FDA, USDA and EPA rigorously regulate the safety of biotech plants and foods. Biotechnology has been used to strengthen crops, improve farming techniques and benefit the environment. These efforts have given U.S. citizens the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world. The shortsighted protests of the few should not be allowed to curtail the tremendous benefits possible for billions of individuals through agricultural biotechnology."

The above article was reprinted from Farm Progress, 11-16-99.