Volume 16, Number
4 - April 2016
Hello from Food Label News!
We join other food labelers in anticipation of new nutrition
labeling regulations. While the earliest possible release
date was last month, we learned in our
Food Label Community that we will have a longer
wait. Nevertheless, we will bring you all you need to know
when news is available. The status of GMO labeling is the
feature this month as Vermont prepares to make history. Read
about the impending GMO laws in the lead article as well as
information about existing Organic rules in Reader Q&A.
|
GMO Labeling Limbo
Labeling GMO or non-GMO – that is the question. For the
State of Vermont, it's a question no longer. As of July 1,
2016, Vermont will be the first state to enforce labeling of
genetically engineered (GE) foods. If a food is in consumer
terms "genetically modified" then a statement of that fact must
be declared on the label where it can be easily viewed by
consumers. Will Vermont be the tipping point for other
states or will federal regulations pre-empt individual state
labeling requirements?
|
|
In November 2015, FDA published
Final Guidance on voluntary labeling of non-GE ingredients. The
guidance outlines the proper use of the claim and claim substantiation
requirements. A key component is FDA's strong preference
for terms such as "not bioengineered," "not genetically engineered" or
"not modified through the use of modern biotechnology" rather than the
term "non-GMO." This guidance is based on the 1992 "Statement of Policy: Foods
Derived from New Plant Varieties" that found no material difference
between GE and non-GE food and that food derived from genetic
engineering is as safe as food derived from other sources. |
While there have been
efforts to stop the Vermont bill, including a lawsuit filed by the
Grocery Manufacturers Association, a U.S. House bill passed last June,
and a U.S. Senate bill proposed in February but stalled in March, the
deadline still looms. Maine and Connecticut await the implementation in
Vermont as both states have GMO labeling laws that will not go into
effect until four nearby states also pass similar laws. While it is
unlikely that other states will require GMO labeling within the next
year, it is a real possibility for the future.
|
|
For food manufacturers who distribute their products in
Vermont, the timing to implement GMO labeling is now. Do your
homework to determine whether your food products contain GE ingredients. Some have proposed stickering
products for sale in Vermont while other manufacturers such as
Campbell’s and General Mills have committed to labeling GE foods
nationwide.
Stay close to the
Food Label Community for updates and additional news on
implementation of this law.
|
|
What's
News in the Food Label
Community
|
|
Reader Q&A
Find
answers to our readers'
questions or send us
your question for an
upcoming issue.
Q. |
I would like to know the federal law requiring that
organic food products be free of "any" genetically
modified seed or ingredients. Is there such a law?
− P.H., California, Author |
A. |
Yes, National Organic Program rules specify that
genetic engineering (GE)
is prohibited for products that claim Organic on food
labels. In fact, USDA organic regulations require that
farmers and processors show they do not use GE seeds or
ingredients and they are protecting their products from
cross-contact with these substances. USDA's National
Organic Program certification takes extra care to ensure
that production standards and manufacturing practices
are followed.
Read more. |
|
|
|
|
What Matters in Food Labeling
Food Label News,
now in its 16th year, is a monthly e-newsletter reaching
over 9,500 subscribers around the world. We
welcome your colleagues to subscribe for news and insights
about food labels:
www.foodlabels.com/subscribe
|
|
|
Your Virtual
Food Label Partner
Food Consulting Company,
founded in 1993, provides nutrition analysis, food labeling,
and regulatory support for more than 1,500 clients worldwide.
Our
guarantee: 100% regulatory compliance.
Contact us
for the help you need now.
You may reprint all or part of this newsletter
provided you attribute it to Food Label News
and include a link to
www.foodlabels.com.
© 2016. Food Consulting Company, Del Mar, CA. All rights reserved.
|
|