Summary : In this section, the general concept of biotechnology has been introduced and the scope of the overall report has been defined. Further, extensive background information has been provided to assist the reader in understanding rDNA biotechnology-derived foods. Biotechnology has been discussed in considerable detail, and the point has been made that, in the view of many knowledgeable scientists, rDNA biotechnology-derived foods are the latest major step in a 10,000-year process of genetic improvement of food. Finally, this section has discussed federal regulation and oversight of orDNA biotechnology. This section has provided the foundation for the three sections that follow. The sections are based on a review of the scientific literature on three different but related aspects of rDNA biotechnology-derived foods - human food safety, benefits and concerns, and labeling - and the public policy implications of the underlying science. In developing this state-of-the-science report, it is IFT's intent to promote a meaningful public discussion of the subject that is based on sound science.