FDA Clears Genetically Modified Apple and Potato

Image: globalchange.umich.edu

According to a report in today's New York Times, the Food and Drug Administration has declared a genetically modified apple and a tinkered potato as "safe and nutritious" as their natural counterparts.

The F.D.A.'s review was not driven by regulation or statute. The Times story, however, noted that anti-GMO groups have chided the Feds' approach as far too reliant on the data the corporate firms provide.

In the apple and potato cases, the F.D.A. suggested voluntary labeling which, alas, did not require identification of the items as genetically modified. Well, it does not appear the creators of the GMO apple and spud intend to broadcast their "accomplishment." The Times noted the potato company's spokesperson said his firm "would sell seed to growers, so it would not be responsible for how the potatoes or products containing those potatoes (my italics) would be labeled."