WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jim Greenwood,
president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), issued
the following statement in response to a draft risk assessment provided
today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the safety of milk
and meat products from cloned animals and their offspring:
"BIO supports the FDA scientific draft risk assessment which concludes
that meat and milk products from cloned animals and their offspring are
safe for human consumption, and are no different from foods produced
through other breeding methods. As a new assisted reproductive technology,
cloning can consistently produce healthier animals and a healthier meat and
milk supply. FDA's draft risk assessment is consistent with numerous
studies that have found the food from animal clones and their offspring to
be safe."
"While there are currently no products from cloned animals and their
offspring in the market, the publication of the FDA's draft risk assessment
will begin an essential public discussion on the technology and how it can
be successfully used by farmers and ranchers. BIO supports the continued
responsible use of this technology, and encourages the continued observance
of the voluntary moratorium on the introduction of food products from
cloned animals and their offspring into the marketplace. We look forward to
the future publication of the final risk assessment from FDA."
"Animal cloning is the latest step in a long history of reproductive
tools for farmers and ranchers, and can effectively help livestock
producers deliver what consumers want: high-quality, safe, abundant and
nutritious foods in a conscientious and consistent manner. Globally, this
technology may provide people in developing countries with greater access
to protein-rich animal food products which will increase community health
and well-being."
"FDA's extensive review of numerous scientific research studies,
conducted over the past 30 years, has determined that foods from animal
clones and their offspring are equivalent to foods from conventional
livestock. These findings are consistent with two reports by the National
Academy of Sciences."
"Using the tools of biotechnology to produce more desirable and
healthier farm animals is not a new practice. For decades, livestock
producers have used genomics to improve the health and efficiency of
animals that provide healthy and nutritious meat and milk."
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic
institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across
the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the
research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and
environmental biotechnology products. http://www.bio.org.
SOURCE Biotechnology Industry Organization
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Related links:
http://www.bio.org
http://www.CloneSafety.org
CONTACT:
Deb Carstoiu, direct: +1-202-962-6660,
mobile: +1-202-439-3749, or Jeff Joseph, direct: +1-202-962-9230,
both of BIO
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