FDA to review cloned-food safety

The US Food and Drug Administration will review its preliminary finding that food from cloned animals is safe for consumers after several independent science advisers raised questions about the finding.

Biotech firms have pressed the agency to declare safe all meat and milk from cloned animals, but consumer groups have expressed concerns that the FDA is moving too quickly.

Early this month, the agency issued a preliminary summary of a risk analysis that concluded that food from cloned animals or their offspring was as safe as conventional food. The FDA's full report will not be released for several weeks.

But last week, several members of an FDA advisory panel of independent scientists said there was not enough data in the agency's report, especially on cloned pigs, to reach the conclusion that all milk and meat products were safe.

Stephen Sundlof, director of FDA's Centre for Veterinary Medicine, said the agency still believed food from cloned animals was safe, but would review the panel's comments.

"The FDA has one opinion, but that opinion will be revisited in light of the comments of the committee," he said.

A final risk assessment was expected to be published early next year.

Another issue before the FDA, which also regulates veterinary drugs, is whether cloning poses too many health risks for the animals.

The FDA report is the first step in a months-long process in deciding whether to allow the commercialisation of food from cloned animals.

A final policy decision is expected next year.

- REUTERS