The Food and Drug Administration announced Monday it has rejected calls from activists to label foods made with genetically modified plants, a move that brought praise from associations representing the agriculture and biotechnology industries.

FDA recently made headlines by approving the first genetically modified animal—a salmon—as food fit for human consumption. But buried in the announcement was language explaining the agency could find no scientific evidence showing that plant-based foods needed to be labeled to indicate they contained genetically modified organisms, NBC News reported.

"GE (genetically engineered) foods don't present greater safety concerns than foods developed by traditional plant breeding," FDA said. http://nbcnews.to/1Oedlz5

Environmental and public health activists have long sought mandatory labeling for GMO foods. Many scientists and business groups point out that the vast amount of research shows GMO foods are no more dangerous for human health or the environment than non-GMO foods.

American Seed Trade Association CEO Andrew LaVigne said in rejecting mandatory labels, FDA was standing up for science.

"The FDA has made it clear—as it did in its 1992 policy—that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that foods derived from GE organisms differ from foods derived from non-GE organisms in any meaningful way, or that they present any greater safety concerns," LaVigne said.

American Soybean Association board President Wade Cowan also called voluntary labeling the correct science-based approach.

"This concept has been at the heart of our work on a legislative solution that would provide more clarity to consumers, and we're encouraged to see that part of the process move forward," Cowan said.

Brian Baenig, executive vice president for food and agriculture for the Biotechnology Industry Organization, said FDA's actions are a "solid step forward for consumers."

"But we must do more, which is why BIO and our value chain partners are working with the United States Congress to cement a national voluntary labeling approach and ensure consistency in labeling across the states," he said.

A voluntary GMO labeling bill cleared the House of Representatives but currently is stuck in the Senate. Anti-GMO activists oppose the legislation because it would override state efforts to require mandatory labels.

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