Consumer groups in California are asking for new legislation restricting food from cloned animals in the wake of a gubernatorial veto of a bill that would have required labeling of such goods. Meanwhile one of the nation’s largest pork processors is joining a number of dairies, large and small who say they will not put products from clones into the food chain.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger quietly vetoed Senate Bill 63, which called for mandatory labels on food produced from cloned animals and their offspring.

Schwarzenegger’s veto drew praise from the biotech industry and condemnation from consumer advocates. The bill was introduced early this year and approved by the legislature in September. 

Last month, pork producer Smithfield Foods said it would not produce food from cloned animals because the technology is still too new. The company’s position was applauded by the Center for Food Safety, a primary campaigner against cloning.

The approval of cloning technology in the nation’s food chain has been on the table since early this year when FDA concluded a risk assessment that found cloned animals to be safe for consumption.

Dean Foods, Stonyfield Farm, Organic Valley, Ben & Jerry’s and Straus Family Creamery are among those that have pledged not to accept milk from cloned cows, and IDFA has take a position against it as well.

A recent national survey commissioned by the International Food Information Council, found that half of American consumers have an unfavorable view of cloning, while 28% are neutral.  A recent survey by the Consumers Union found that 89% want food from cloned animals to be labeled.