Genetically modified food
Union of Concerned Scientists
Current controversies
On September 18, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed guidelines to allow genetically modified (GM) animals in the food supply.
Genetically modified cattle, pigs, fish and goats currently are being developed. Some will produce hormones, antibodies and pharmaceuticals in their milk or blood. Others will be resistant to diseases or produce altered meat or milk.
Critics — including the Center for Food Safety, Consumers Union and Center for Science in the Public Interest — say the FDA does not have the authority to address potential risks. They also are concerned that genetic modification can pose risks to the health of people, the environment and the animals themselves.
Under the guidelines, food from GM animals will not be labeled unless the FDA says the nutritional content is changed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently proposed new regulations for GE crops designed to produce pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals.
Some crops, including common food plants such as rice and barley, may contain human genes. Like other GM foods, these crops will not be labeled.
The USDA also recently proposed a rule that would allow growing genetically modified papaya trees on mainland US soil. If finalized, the rule would remove all USDA regulatory oversight of GM papaya tree known as the Ring Spot Virus Resistant Papaya.