BIO Applauds Administration’s Support for Science-based Food Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 20, 2015) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially announced that it has rejected petitions from public interest groups calling for mandatory labeling of foods produced with genetic engineering.

In response, Brian Baenig, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)’s Executive Vice President of Food and Agriculture, issued the following statement:

“BIO appreciates the several actions taken by the FDA this week which highlight the Administration’s support for commonsense, science-based food policy. Notably the FDA reaffirmed its longstanding policy that foods containing biotech ingredients are compositionally the same and as safe and nutritious as conventionally produced foods; thus distinguishing them with a mandatory label would mislead consumers by falsely implying they are different. 

“The FDA’s actions are a solid step forward for consumers.  But we must do more, which is why BIO and our value chain partners are working with the United States Congress to cement a national voluntary labeling approach and ensure consistency in labeling across the states. Again, we applaud the Administration’s stand for commonsense and science.”