Environmental Defense Calls White House Biotechnology Plan Weak

Environmental Defense gave largely negative reviews to the White House plan announced today concerning regulation of genetically engineered foods by several federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“This plan is like some fat-free foods,” said Dr. Rebecca Goldburg, a senior scientist at Environmental Defense. “It’s not very good and there isn’t much substance. Consumers want genetically engineered foods to be safety tested and to be labeled. This plan does not require either.”

Under the plan, FDA will require companies to consult with agency staff before they market new genetically engineered foods. FDA will also publish guidance for companies who wish to voluntarily label foods as non-engineered.

“Requiring biotechnology companies to consult with FDA does not guarantee consumer protection. FDA is not placing the burden of proof on industry to demonstrate the safety of new foods. By focusing on voluntary labels for genetically engineered foods, FDA is evading the real and important issue of mandatory labeling requirements,” said Goldburg.

Environmental Defense lent cautious support to a section of the plan announcing a new process to review current environmental regulation of genetically engineered organisms. “It’s critical that this new process not stall Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regulations concerning crops engineered to produce pesticides,” Goldburg said. Goldburg was a member of a National Academy of Sciences panel which last month strongly recommended that EPA’s proposed regulations be finalized.

Environmental Defense praised a section of the plan announcing that USDA will develop a certification program for farmers who wish to produce non-engineered crops. “This announcement represents a significant attitude shift by USDA, which has long staunchly promoted genetic engineering. USDA will now aid US farmers who wish to grow non-engineered crops, particularly for export. Many food companies, especially in Europe, now refuse to purchase commodities that may be genetically engineered,” said Goldburg.