Bush administration against labeling of GM foods. (Washington).(Brief Article)

Food Institute Report, The, June, 2002

The Bush Administration opposes the labeling of genetically engineered food, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. During a speech at the BIO 2002 conference, Thompson explained that mandatory labeling will frighten consumers, sending inaccurate messages that the food is not safe, reported NJ Online (June 10).

Abroad, 19 countries require labeling and the EU has banned the sale of any new engineered products since 1998. U.S. officials say labeling could cost U.S. companies $4 billion a year.

The EU's ban has angered U.S. exporters, which account for 70% of the world's biotech food, and hindered the growth of European agricultural biotech firms. Soy and corn, which are genetically modified to be resistant to pests and...

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