Bioengineered foods
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
FDA seeking comments by March 19 on whether statements such as "GM free," "biotech free" and "no genetically engineered materials" can be made on food packaging without being false and misleading. A draft guidance on voluntary labeling for bioengineered foods was published in the Jan. 18 Federal Register. Despite considerable comment to the contrary, FDA says evidence does not support mandatory statements identifying the inclusion of bioengineered foods or ingredients on labeling. Agency also published proposed rule requiring data regarding plant-derived bioengineered foods be submitted to FDA at least 120 days prior to commercial distribution. CFSAN says the guidance applies to all food labeling, which would encompass supplements and functional foods that contain ingredients such as bioengineered soybeans