The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently drafting a new rule for food developed through biotechnology. Bioengineered foods are those that have been modified using scientific techniques to eliminate undesirable characteristics or to strengthen positive traits such as resistance to disease, rapid growth, and improvements in taste and quality. Examples of bioengineered foods currently on the market are:

• Corn, soybeans and potatoes that require less herbicides/pesticides
• Tomatoes that soften slower and therefore can remain on the vine longer
• Genetically enhanced soybeans that are lower in saturated fats
• Virus-resistant crops such as papayas

The proposed rule will require food developers to notify the FDA of their intent to market a food or animal feed developed via biotechnology and to provide information showing that the product is as safe as its conventional counterpart. The review process is currently voluntary; all bioengineered foods and feed marketed in the U.S. today have gone through this consultation process.

National organizations such as the International Food Information Council (IFIC), the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, and the Georgetown Center for Food and Nutrition Policy have repeatedly endorsed the safety of foods developed through biotechnology. Virtually all of today's agricultural biotech crops produce food ingredients that are essentially the same as other ingredients. Currently, FDA requires special labeling only when the food has been significantly changed or when a potential safety concern such as an unexpected food allergen has been introduced. No foods that would mandate such labeling are currently in the marketplace.

While it is possible to enhance nutritional value through biotechnology, such changes have yet to make it to the marketplace. To date, the positive benefits of biotechnology include enabling farmers to increase their yield and to reduce their use of chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides.

The IFIC has conducted consumer research for the past decade which shows that consumers want to learn more about biotechnology and are optimistic about its possibilities. Surveys have found a majority of people are strongly in favor of the potential benefits it may offer.

Another rule under development will provide direction to manufacturers who wish to label their food products as being made with or without ingredients developed through biotechnology. The FDA has noted that terms such as "bioengineered" and "derived through biotechnology" are acceptable, while claims such as "GM-free" or "modified" are not. The new rule is aimed at ensuring that labeling is truthful and not misleading.

Sources:

• FDA. FDA announces proposal and draft guidance for food developed through biotechnology, Jan. 17, 2001.
• International Food Information Council. Consumers, health experts desire benefits of biotech foods and concur with current FDA labeling policy. Aug. 23, 2000.