From Robin Plotner-Sax, Go Green Northbrook Director & Healthy Foods Team Leader

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a proposed rule document called “National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard”.  The purpose of this rule will be to inform consumers about the presence of GMOs in retail foods and in food ingredients. The proposed rule contains terminology and graphics that may be misleading. It doesn’t require labeling of all foods that may contain GMO ingredients in small amounts.

This is your last chance to be heard before the new rule takes effect.  You can submit comments regarding the proposed rule through JULY 3, 2018.

Comments must be in your own words. You can choose the points that resonate with you. You are not required to comment on every point.  This is your opportunity to tell your personal story.  How will the new rule affect you and your loved ones?  What impact will it have on the way you shop at the grocery store?  Why is this important to you?

Below are some important points followed by sample comments (in italics):

  1. Instead of labeling foods “GMO” (genetically modified organism) or “GE” (genetically engineered), the proposed rule would label foods “BE” (bioengineered).

The term “BE” is confusing.  Foods should be labeled “GMO” or “GE”.

  1. Manufacturers would have the choice of labeling foods with either a QR Code that consumers will need to scan with a smartphone, a “BE” label, or a number to text to for more information.

Only clear on package labeling with a “GMO” or “GE” symbol is acceptable.

  1. Proposed symbols use colors (green, yellow) and shapes (sun, smiling face) which can be misleading to consumers.

Only neutral colors and shapes for symbols are acceptable.

  1. The proposed rule would exclude genetically engineered oils, sugars, animals fed GMO feed, and processed foods such as soda and candy.

All genetically engineered crops, foods, and ingredients must be labeled.

  1. New forms of genetic engineering such as CRISPR (gene editing) and Synbio (Synthetic Biology) could be excluded.

All foods that have been genetically engineered must be labeled regardless of the technique(s) used.

  1. The proposed rule could allow for either 0.9%, 5% or 10% GMO contamination by weight before labeling would be required.

Accidental contamination (not allowable amounts of GMO ingredients) must be within a 0.9% threshold (not measured by weight), the same standard as the EU and the Non-GMO Project.

  1. The proposed rule requires labeling compliance as of January 1, 2022.

Mandatory compliance by January 1, 2020 gives companies plenty of time to prepare for the new labeling requirements.  

  1. The proposed rule does not include penalties for non-compliance.

Fines must be implemented for non-compliance. 

Submit your comment here.  View the proposed National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard here.  Contact Robin with questions at robin@gogreennorthbrook.org.