American government officials are becoming increasingly sensitive to the issue. Twenty-five members of Congress have signed a letter asking the FDA to require labeling. The FDA has scheduled hearings in Chicago and Washington for next month and in Oakland in December to explain its determination that genetically engineered food is safe and to hear consumers' and scientists' views. Such skeptics as Margaret Mellon of the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington say moving a gene from one species to another is a radical change in plant breeding. Although pig genes have not been transferred into corn, Mellon worries about transferring genes into the food supply from such organisms as bacteria and petunias, which could cause unexpected allergic reactions or produce toxins.
Proponents reply that genes cross species lines all the time.
Arguing that science can never rule out unexpected results, she said she would like to see labels give precise information about what genes have been added.