The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) supports the Food and Drug Administration's approach to oversight of biotech foods. FDA holds three days of public meetings to discuss biotech food issues.

The meetings will be held in Chicago on Thursday (Nov. 18) in Washington, DC, Nov. 30 and in Oakland, CA, Dec. 13. BIO plans to participate in the Chicago meeting. The organization supports FDA's policies on biotech foods, including a consultation process to review all biotech foods and food labeling practices based on health, safety and nutritional considerations.

BIO also supports FDA's findings that foods derived from crops that have been engineered through biotechnology are not necessarily different from foods derived from crops improved through conventional plant breeding.

FDA requires labels on all foods if the nutritional content has been altered or if the foods could cause a health risk such as an allergic reaction.

Carl B. Feldbaum, president of BIO, said, "Introducing any new technology into our lives should be done cautiously. It is appropriate that questions should be asked about genetically engineered crops and foods. The public's concerns should be respected. However, we should not let those who steadfastly resist progress set the agenda for the rest of society. People also have a right to know about the current and future benefits of agricultural biotechnology, which eventually, like our drugs, will significantly contribute to our health."

BIO represents more than 850 companies, academic institutions and state biotech centers in 47 states and 26 nations. Members are involved in the research and development of health care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.