The Bush administration is pressuring the European Union to drop new restrictions on genetically engineered foods. Last month, the European Commission gave preliminary approval to require labeling on most biotech foods. Administration officials say the rules would discriminate against U.S. products and violate World Trade Organization requirements. They say that the rules could cost U.S. businesses $4 billion a year. E.U. officials say the cost estimate is exaggerated, and they want the administration to lay off with the pressure. Compared to the U.S. public, European consumers have been much more concerned about the safety of genetically engineered foods. Saudia Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Mexico are also discussing tough biotech food laws.
