U.S. Codex delegation urged to oppose mandatory GM labeling.(genetically modified foods)(Brief Article)

The Grocery Manufacturers of America has urged the United States delegation to the Codex Committee on Food Labeling to oppose any draft standard aimed at mandatory labeling of bioengineered foods.

Responding to opposition from the United States and other countries, the committee last May held draft labeling guidelines for bioengineered foods and ingredients at Step 3 in the eight-step Codex approval process. The proposed guidelines would encourage mandatory labeling.

In Oct. 10 comments submitted to Christine Lewis, director of FDA's Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, GMA said the United States should oppose any scheme "that is …