In the United States genetically modified soybeans and corn have become processed food mainstays, despite outspoken dissent from food safety advocates. Now those food safety advocates are concerned that GM meat, eggs, and milk could follow in the footsteps of transgenic crops, becoming a part of the U.S. diet before they have been shown to be safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
Last September the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released their draft regulations for producers of GM livestock and lab animals and allowed a 60-day comment period. During the comment period, many consumer groups asked the FDA to require labels identifying food as coming from genetically engineered animals.
An October, 2008 nationwide Consumer Reports survey found that 95% of respondents felt food products made from genetically engineered animals should be labeled as such.
But on Jan 15th, 2009, the FDA decided to categorize genetically engineered farm animals as an "animal drug". This regulatory decision opened the door for such animals or their products to be sold as food and medicine. Producers will be held to existing requirements for conventionally bred animals treated with hormones or antibiotics, which means that derivative products will not require labeling.
Does this sound like the open government so many voted for in the last election?
You can read more about this topic in the story written by Jill Adams in L.A. Times.
Written by Esmaa Self
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