Food Labeling

Re “Label Genetically Altered Food,” Commentary, April 9: The biotech industry does not oppose science-based labeling. We support consumers’ right to know what we all are eating. Crops and foods improved through biotechnology have been evaluated and examined publicly by the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. The testing results and guidelines and the crops and food evaluated are described in documents available on their Web sites. These tests have shown the crops and foods are safe. A new report from the National Academy of Sciences confirms the safety of biotech foods.

The FDA has a strict labeling policy, which our industry fully supports. Labels are required for foods that may pose any health risk, such as those that contain allergens and foods whose nutritional content has been changed. Labels should enable consumers to make informed choices about what they eat, not frighten them.

CARL B. FELDBAUM

Biotechnology Industry

Organization, Washington