IDFA and other food industry associations asked the Food and Drug Administration last week to extend the comment period for the agency's draft Risk Assessment on food from cloned animals by 90 days. The original comment period is scheduled to end April 2, but IDFA and others want more time to review the 678-page draft document and complex supporting materials before submitting their comments.

"This is certainly the type of issue where it is in the public interest for the agency to take the time needed to 'get it right,'" the letter states.

Joining IDFA in this request are the American Bakers Association, the American Frozen Food Institute, the Food Marketing Institute, the Grocery Manufacturers/Food Products Association, the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Restaurant Association and the Snack Food Association.

To date, FDA has received nearly 3,900 comments on the draft Risk Assessment.