The U.S. is considering requiring that genetically modified foods be labeled as such, but no decision has been reached, a U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson said this week. Some reports indicate that the U.S. hopes to develop a labeling proposal by the time of the World Trade Organization meeting that will begin in Seattle in late November. Genetically modified foods are expected to be a major issue of discussion at the meeting. Meanwhile, biotech giant Monsanto this month has been holding talks with Britain’s Soil Association, the nation’s main organic campaign group, which has been staunchly opposed to the planting of GM crops. Monsanto indicated that it is considering a major change of course in Britain, where anti-GM sentiment runs high. The company suggested that it may help plant breeders create new plant varieties through traditional cross-breeding techniques rather than through genetic modification.
