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The FDA approach to bioengineered foods |
J. H. MARYANSKI, Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-013, College Park, MD 20740-3835 May 29, 2002, marked the tenth anniversary of the publication of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 1992 policy for foods derived from new plant varieties. Since that time, firms have consulted with the FDA on over fifty new varieties of bioengineered crops, the public debate on biotechnology has continued and, at times, intensified; the FDA has responded by holding public meetings and setting new directions. The FDA continues to believe that the application of established scientific concepts and methods in assessing the safety of bioengineered foods and consultation with Agency scientists is sound public policy. The FDA is working vigorously, domestically and internationally, to ensure that guidance for safety assessment based on the best science is available to developers and to those who have the responsibility for protecting public health. This presentation will focus on the new directions that the FDA believes will be important in meeting the challenges of bioengineered foods in the future and in ensuring public confidence in the FDA's approach.
Session 34, Biotechnology to improve quality of fruits and vegetables: Potential, safety and consumer acceptability
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