USA: GMA applauds judge’s rejection of activists’ lawsuit against FDA biotech policy

The Grocery Manufacturers of America today applauded a federal judge's decision to reject a lawsuit by activists seeking to overturn the Food and Drug Administration's science-based policy on food biotechnology."The judge's decision validates the FDA's common sense approach to regulating food biotechnology," said Mary Sophos, GMA Senior Vice President, Government Affairs. "It reaffirms that the FDA is working to protect consumers by ensuring we have a safe, affordable food supply while maintaining consumer choice in the marketplace."Sophos noted that the FDA and other government agencies that regulate biotechnology are already taking steps to strengthen their oversight of biotech products."GMA was an early proponent of a proposed FDA policy that would require a mandatory review by FDA of all new plant biotechnology products," added Sophos. "We look forward to continue working with FDA, USDA, and EPA on their efforts to strengthen the science-based regulation of food biotechnology."The FDA is currently finalizing a mandatory review proposal that will be open for public comment in the next few months.GMA is the world's largest association of food, beverage and consumer product companies. With U.S. sales of more than $460 billion, GMA members employ more than 2.5 million workers in all 50 states. The organization applies legal, scientific and political expertise from its member companies to vital food, nutrition and public policy issues affecting the industry. Led by a board of 44 Chief Executive Officers, GMA speaks for food and consumer product manufacturers at the state, federal and international levels on legislative and regulatory issues. The association also leads efforts to increase productivity, efficiency and growth in the food, beverage and consumer products industry.