The U.S. government is paving the way for genetically engineered animals to enter our food supply. Though no transgenic animals are currently on the market, the Food and Drug Administration released a draft guidance on Thursday that provides requirements and recommendations for producers of GE animals. Much like transgenic plants, it doesn't sound like any independent tests will be done on these novel livestock. It's up to the manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of their GE animals, not the government, and surely not an independent party with no vested interest in the success of such a product.

And did I mention the proposed rules are non-binding?

Consumers Union was critical of the document, saying they should require labeling of transgenic animals sold as food. And they called the risk assessment "pathetic," saying it was designed improperly and contained small sample sizes, among other shortcomings. They believe consumers (and we agree) should be able to choose between ham that came from a conventional pig and ham derived from a pig engineered with mouse genes. In fact, a May 2008 CBS News/New York Times poll found that 53 percent of Americans said they wouldn't buy GE food (if given the choice, of course).

The draft guidance was published just a couple weeks after 20 leading food companies announced that they would reject ingredients from cloned animals, including Kraft Foods, General Mills, and Gerber/Nestle. In January, the FDA declared cloned animals and their progeny safe to eat. Critics of cloning say this announcement opened the door to allowing transgenic animals into the marketplace.

The comment period for the draft guidance closes November 18, 2008.

Sources: Salon & Nature

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