USDA Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for National Bioengineered Food Disclosure

USDA has proposed a rule to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016, on which it is asking for public comment. The standard is intended to provide a uniform way to offer meaningful disclosure for consumers who want more information about their food and avoid a patchwork system of state or private labels that could be confusing for consumers and would likely drive up food costs.

“This rulemaking presents several possible ways to determine what foods will be covered by the final rule and what the disclosure will include and look like,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “We are looking for public input on a number of these key decisions before a final rule is issued later this year.”

The proposed rule is open for comment for 60 days, with all comments due by July 3, 2018. Because of the Congressionally mandated timeline for this rulemaking, the comment period will not be extended, anyone interested must file comments in a timely manner.

Comments may be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be filed with the Docket Clerk, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 4543-South, Washington, DC 20250; Fax: (202) 690-0338.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Law was enacted by Congress on July 29, 2016. The proposed rule previewed in the May 3, Federal Register.