The agency also proposed a rule backed by the biotech industry that would require companies to notify the FDA 120 days before selling any new genetically engineered products or ingredients.
Most companies now do that voluntarily.
The proposals are in line with those made by the Clinton administration in May to address criticism of FDA policies on biotechnology. The proposed guidelines do not require labeling of genetically engineered foods or safety testing beyond what the FDA already does. The proposals were well received yesterday by industry groups, but they disappointed activists who question the safety of biotech ingredients and foods, and who argue that the public wants to know whether their food contains biotech products. Consumers are told public agencies are looking at these products when in fact they are not. They believe these products are safe when in fact there is no assurance of that beyond the opinion of the manufacturer.