REPORT 2 OF THE COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH (A-12) Labeling of Bioengineered Foods (Resolutions 508 and 509-A-11) (Reference Committee E) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objectives. Foods containing bioengineered (also referred to as “genetically-engineered”) ingredients are prevalent in U.S. grocery stores. The belief that adverse human health effects can result from consuming bioengineered foods has prompted consumer groups to urge mandatory labeling of foods containing bioengineered ingredients. This report reviews the potential adverse health effects of bioengineered foods, and implications for labeling are addressed. Data Sources. Literature searches were conducted in the PubMed database for English-language articles published between 2000 and 2012 using the search terms “genetically modified food,” “genetically engineered food,” and “bioengineered food,” combined with the terms “health,” “safety,” and “labeling.” To capture other reports, news articles and press releases, Google searches were conducted using the same search terms. Additional articles were identified by manual review of the captured literature citations. Results. Bioengineered foods have been consumed for close to 20 years, and during that time, no overt consequences on human health have been reported and/or substantiated in the peer-reviewed literature. However, a small potential for adverse events exists, due mainly to horizontal gene transfer, allergenicity, and toxicity. Pre-market safety assessments are designed to identify and prevent risks to human health. Consumers overwhelmingly support labeling of foods containing bioengineered ingredients. However, the FDA’s science-based labeling policies state that labels need only list such information if the bioengineered food is significantly different from its traditional counterpart, or if its production method materially changes the food’s nutritional profile (for example, if it contains a common allergen). Conclusions. Despite strong consumer interest in mandatory labeling of bioengineered foods, the FDA’s science-based labeling policies do not support special labeling without evidence of material differences between bioengineered foods and their traditional counterparts. The Council supports this science-based approach, and believes that thorough pre-market safety assessment and the FDA’s requirement that any material difference between bioengineered foods and their traditional counterparts be disclosed in labeling, are effective in ensuring the safety of bioengineered food. To better characterize the potential harms of bioengineered foods, the Council believes that per-market safety assessment should shift from a voluntary notification process to a mandatory requirement. The Council notes that consumers wishing to choose foods without bioengineered ingredients may do so by purchasing those that are labeled “USDA Organic.”
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:42:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015