Like your genetically engineered steak medium or rare?

November 17, 1:05 PMFood ExaminerEric Burkett

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Careful, those flowers may be genetically modified.

Tomorrow is the last day the FDA is accepting comments on its draft plan for how it will approve genetically engineered animals.

The idea of adding genetically engineered livestock to our nation's food supply makes a lot of people nervous. Perhaps even more unnerving is the fact that, if and when the FDA's proposal goes into effect, there is no plan in place for labeling foods from genetically engineered animals. In other words, if genetically engineered pork containing Omega 3 fatty acids - typically a product of fish - is allowed into the market place, the producers won't have to label it as such.

The idea of bacon chock-full of Omega-3 fatty acids is, on the one hand, not a bad idea (and it's already a reality). Anything that might help reduce the risk of heart disease - particularly in a food as cholesterol laden as bacon - could be viewed with an appreciative eye. But, then, isn't eating foods like bacon in moderation a simpler approach? Researchers have also been conducting research to produce cows that produce their own antibiotics to help combat udder infections. Again, nice in principle, but with genetically engineered dairy cows, those same antibiotics are then passed on to you in their milk.

"Unlike conventional antibiotics, which must be cleared from the cow before it can be used to produce milk or meat, the antibiotic that is genetically engineered into the animal will always be present. We are concerned both about the potential safety and lack of labeling on such food products," said Michael Hansen, a scientist with Consumers Union in a release from that organization.

The FDA has no plan to require labeling telling you that. Nor does the FDA have any plans to test the food that comes from these animals, according to Food and Water Watch, and environmental and consumer watch-dog organization. If the animals meet the FDA's guidelines, the thinking apparently goes, the food should be fine, too.

The FDA insists there is nothing to worry about with the rise of genetically modified foods, but they're also aware that most people are extremely wary of consuming genetically modified eggs, milk, and pork chops. One only has to read the agency's FAQ on genetically modified foods and animals to know there is a great deal they don't want to talk about. Why? The FDA has been extremely chummy with the pharmaceuticals industry and there is a great deal of money to be made here. The more you know, they fear, the less you'll want to consume.