11.   Wassell said Monsanto has sought uniform global standards for biotech products, creating a market with little distinction between genetically engineered and conventional varieties.

12.   A biotechnology committee formed by the United States and the European Union recommended new rules for genetically engineered foods and mandatory labeling for some biotech products.

13.   A survey cited by the EU last year found that a majority of Europeans see biotech products as a health hazard, despite assurances from producers.

14.   A survey cited by the European Union last year found that a majority of Europeans see biotech products as a health hazard, despite assurances from producers.

15.   Biotech products such as insect-resistant crops and vaccines born of gene-splicing are touted by proponents as guarantors of future global food security.

16.   But it also said that new biotech products should not be allowed on the market until they have gone through a mandatory government approval process.

17.   But federal officials say there are no health risks from biotech products now approved for food use and no reason to require them to be labeled.

18.   Companies would have to notify FDA of new biotech products at least four months before they are to be put on the market.

19.   Companies would be required to notify FDA of new biotech products at least four months before they are to be put on the market.

20.   Critics off such biotech products hold that too little is known about their health and environmental effects.