NoNAIS.org

The USDA and the FDA are seeking comments about how to handle genetically engineered animals, specifically those that will be entering the food chain such as livestock. You can read it in the Federal Registry and there is an article in the Boston Globe related to this.

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance document (GFI187) entitled
“Regulation of Genetically Engineered Animals Containing Heritable rDNA Constructs.'’ This draft guidance is intended to clarify FDA’s requirements and recommendations for producers and developers of genetically engineered (GE) animals and their products. The draft guidance describes how the new animal drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act) apply with respect to GE animals, including FDA’s intent to exercise enforcement discretion regarding requirements for certain GE animals.
Elsewhere in this same issue of the Federal Register, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is soliciting public comment on any potential implications of activities such as the importation or interstate movement of GE animals on the health of the U.S. livestock population under the authority of the Animal Health Protection Act (AHPA).
-Federal Registry

I see two immediate issues:

1) Genetically Engineered Organisms (GMOs) need to be fully and completely tested so we know if there are health issues for the animals, the environment and the people who will eat them. Unlike with traditional selective breeding rDNA to produce GMOs does not have centuries of testing. Toxic combinations of genes can be inserted such as adding a peanut protein to another genome which could create highly allergic reactions for many people in products they would not expect to find peanut allergy.

2) Foods containing any GMOs should carry labels clearly stating that they contain genetically engineered items and a web link of where to find complete information about the product and its risks. This is basic common sense. If the GMO companies have no fear about producing dangerous foods then they should wholeheartedly support full disclosure. If they believe their products are better then they should be shouting to the world that their products contain GMOs and rDNA. To hide the inclusion of GMOs in products tells us that they fear the risks their products represent.

We need to be able to know what we’re eating. They’re pushing NAIS on us for completely natural foods but then expect us to blindly accept GMOs without any information or labeling. Go give feedback. Go to the Federal Registry and click on the yellow balloon on the right. Also post a copy of your comments below. Comments are due by tomorrow 11/18 so act now!

My comment:

I urge the government to require that any products made from rDNA constructs, plants or animals be labeled clearly with a symbol that shows that it is made from rDNA. There should also be a clearly legible link on the package that leads to full disclosure about what rDNA constructs are in the product as well as any known side effects much like the disclosure required on drugs.

Furthermore I urge the government to require safety testing of rDNA constructs, plants and animals to prove that they are safe for the consumer, the environment and will not cause problems if released into the wild as will invariably happen and has already happened with some grass species which are displacing native species.

Sincerely,

-Walter Jeffries
Vermont

Hat tip to Bekah.