[20010118]RS20507_转基因食品标签.pdf

Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20507Updated January 18, 2001Labeling of Genetically Modified FoodsDonna U. VogtDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryCongressional interest in the labeling of genetically modified foods (GM foods) hasbeen rising. Congress took no action on the two bills introduced into the 106th Congressto mandate labeling of all genetically modified crops (GM crops) and foods, but willlikely debate other proposals in the 107th Congress. The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) issued its current GM food labeling policy in May 1992. At that time, the agencydetermined that it would regulate GM foods no differently than foods created byconventional means because FDA considered them substantially equivalent to traditionalfoods and decided that no special label would be needed. In the intervening period,extensive public debate surrounding the genetic modification of foods has led someconsumers to call for labeling of such products. On January 18, 2001, FDA publisheda draft guidance for industry on voluntary efforts to label GM foods. A label wouldpermit consumers to choose to avoid purc