FDA's guidance should not impose unreasonable burdens on manufacturers. For example, criteria for claims about foods manufactured without the intentional addition of genetically modified components should permit a reasonable tolerance given the current pervasiveness of bioengineered crops, since their omnipresence is likely to have led to unavoidable commingling of bioengineered crops with crops that were never intended to be produced via biotechnology. This education will be most effective if undertaken as a cooperative effort among the business community, the government, and the scientific and consumer communities. Consistent with our policy statement, we asked FDA to collaborate in the drafting and production of the brochure, however, the Agency declined. Although FDA chose not to avail itself of this opportunity to provide information directly to the public, we urge you to communicate directly and effectively with the general public on this issue as soon as possible.
Food is a basic and necessary component of life.
Consumers do not want to worry about the safety of the food that they eat or that they feed to their families. Overall food safety is a primary mission of the Food and Drug Administration, which carefully regulates a substantial portion of the daily American diet. In keeping with its overall mission, FDA has invested significant resources in ensuring that foods produced with biotechnology are likewise safe. FDA must convey its message directly to the public loudly and clearly. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act grants FDA the authority to remove any adulterated food from the marketplace, regardless of its method of production.