Reuters | November 5, 1999
WASHINGTON - 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.
