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FDA decision on GMO labeling pleases Agriculture

The nation’s largest farm group says the FDA’s decision on food labeling is a huge victory for agriculture.  The Food and Drug Administration, on Thursday, denied petitions from groups that were trying to force mandatory labeling of products containing Genetically Modified foods. The Center for Food Safety had filed the petition on behalf of 22 other petitioners.  FDA ruled the petition did not provide sufficient evidence that GMO foods present any different or greater safety concerns than those developed by traditional means.

Dale Moore, public policy director for the American Farm Bureau, tells Brownfield Ag News the administration’s decision has them smiling from ear to ear, “And,” Moore says, “FDA’s following up and saying, you know, here’s another bit of information, guidance, et cetera, for those that want to voluntarily label, which is something we’ve all talked about.”

The FDA’s final guidelines for the voluntary labeling of GMO foods says companies may use statements such as “not bioengineered”, “not genetically engineered” and “We do not use ingredients that were produced using modern biotechnology” on the label.

Moore tells Brownfield the fight continues against anti-GMO forces but this is an important step. He says, “We had a real victory at least on one battleground front and appreciate that the Food and Drug Administration has stood up and basically pushed back on those that are trying to take this technology away from farmers.”

The FDA action drew praise from other groups, including the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the National Corn Growers Association and National Milk Producers Federation. Moore says consumers will benefit from this decision and the approval of genetically engineered salmon this week.

AUDIO:  Interview with Dale Moore