Still Can't Buy Frankenfoods

Those hoping to see meat or milk from cloned animals on the market are going to have to wait just a little longer.

In January, the FDA ruled that products from cloned cattle, swine, and goats and their offspring were as safe as meat and milk from traditional animals, according to a Reuters article. Before that time, farmers and ranchers followed a voluntary ban on cloned products.

On Monday, the USDA announced that it would not be lifting the voluntary moratorium on products from cloned animals - for the time being. It is expected to last a few more months, but the USDA would not give an end date.

The article says that even after the ban is lifted however, consumers probably won't be able to buy clone-derived food products because even cloned animals need to mature and then give birth.

Proponents of cloning animals say the process will produce more milk and better meat, while opponents say there is still substantial doubt on the part of the public. Some major food companies, such as Tyson, have said they will avoid the use of cloned animals.

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