In January 2000, the U.S. accepted an international standard allowing a country to ban the import of genetically modified food without having to prove conclusively that the food is unsafe. While this does not force the U.S. to label genetically modified food for the domestic market, the new standard has rallied labeling proponents.

In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that genetic modification of food and ingredients is generally recognized as safe and does not have to be labeled. However, if a genetically engineered food contains an allergy-causing ingredient such as peanuts, or is significantly changed from its original form, it must be labeled.

While Americans remain fairly quiet on the issue of genetic modification of food, Europeans have loudly opposed biotechnology for several years. The European Commission has proposed mandatory labeling for genetically modified foods that contain even a single ingredient with one percent genetically modified material.

The FDA held public hearings on whether genetically engineered food should be labeled in November and December 1999, in Chicago, Washington and Oakland, Calif. While activists on both sides of the issue crowded the hearings, the public paid little attention.

On One Hand...

Current food labeling laws are strong enough. Since the FDA already requires biotechnology products to be labeled if they can cause an allergy or if they have been significantly altered, specifically labeling genetically modified food could lead consumers to think the food has negative health effects.

On the Other Hand...

Americans are eating genetically modified food without their knowledge. There is not enough research to prove the safety of inserting genes into fruits, vegetables, and other foods. Consumers should at least have the option of choosing whether they wish to consume genetically engineered foods.

• Over half the soybean crop, one-third of the corn, and a growing percentage of potatoes grown in the U.S. are genetically modified.

• A bipartisan group of U.S. Congressmen introduced a bill (H.R. 3377) in November 1999 to require labeling of genetically modified foods.

• The Food and Drug Administration is considering a ruling that would require genetically engineered food products to be labeled.

• In 1999, Gerber announced that its baby foods would no longer contain any genetically modified foods.

• Agricultural giant Archer Daniels Midland plans to segregate its genetically modified and non-genetically modified foods crops.

Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. House of Representatives