GMA Gives Support to AMA Policy on Genetically Engineered Ingredients

Earlier this week, the Association voted to adopt a "trust but verify policy," which accepts that there is yet to be an established health risk associated with GM foods or products derived from transgenic ingredients, but that each product should neverthless go through a pre-market safety approval process.

21 Jun 2012 --- Genetically modified (GM) foods have been assesed as safe by the American Medical Association (AMA). The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) expressed its support stating that “foods and beverages that contain GE ingredients are no different than those that do not, mandatory labeling of foods containing GE ingredients is unnecessary and may actually confuse consumers.”

Earlier this week, the Association voted to adopt  a "trust but verify policy," which accepts that there is yet to be an established health risk associated with GM foods or products derived from transgenic ingredients, but that each product should neverthless go through a pre-market safety approval process.

The policy adopted on Tuesday at the AMA's House of Delegates meeting. The AMA does not yet support labeling products with ingredients derived from GM foods.

This both-sides-of-the-fence position on the issue stemmed from a contentious Sunday debate during a reference committee meeting, at which some AMA members called for mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods, while others maintained there isn't enough science to show such foods pose any risks to human health.

The AMA report supports the findings of a 1987 National Academy of Sciences white paper that said there is no evidence that genetically modified foods pose any hazards. With the new policy, the AMA is on record as agreeing there is no science-based justification for requiring food manufacturers to label their products as "genetically modified."

Although the AMA does not support labeling, it does support pre-market safety assessments, AMA board member Patrice Harris, MD, said in a statement. That includes testing for major changes in nutrient or toxicant levels, which Harris called a "preventive measure to ensure the health of the public."

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) issued the following statement in response to the vote:

“We commend the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates for its vote in support of the continued use of genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in the food supply.

“This action is in line with the position of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and numerous regulatory and scientific bodies that agree that foods and beverages that contain GE ingredients are safe and materially no different than those foods that do not contain GE ingredients.”

“Plant and animal biotechnology provides significant benefits to consumers.  It has led to improved varieties of corn, soybeans, fruit and other foods that grow faster and are resistant to insects, bacteria and viruses.  Some genetically modified foods and beverages contain enhanced nutrition and health benefits.

“Labeling information should be reserved for important food safety and/or nutrition information, such as allergen warnings or front-of-pack nutrition labeling.

“The use of GE ingredients in the food supply is based on a wealth of scientific research and evidence, and consumers can rest assured that all stakeholders – food companies, regulatory agencies, medical doctors and the scientific community will continue to ensure the safety of the food supply.”