House-Passed Bill Limits FDA's GMO Role, Tells Agency To Define 'Natural'

The House on Thursday (July 23) passed 275-150 a bill requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop uniform, national voluntary labeling standards for non-genetically engineered products, but not without controversy as critics of the bill say it would limit FDA's role, preempt state rights and decrease transparency in the labeling of food products. The bill puts the bulk of GE regulatory controls under the USDA -- an earlier draft split functions between USDA and FDA -- while requiring that...