The landscape of food labeling in the United States is evolving, bringing greater transparency to what ends up on our plates. A significant step in this direction is the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, a federal mandate designed to inform consumers about bioengineered ingredients in their food. Understanding what this standard entails is crucial for both food industry stakeholders and consumers seeking clarity about bioengineered food.
Decoding Bioengineered Food: A Clear Definition
So, what exactly constitutes bioengineered food? The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard provides a precise definition. It refers to foods containing detectable genetic material that has been modified in a laboratory setting through techniques that cannot occur through conventional breeding methods or be found naturally in the environment. This definition aims to distinguish bioengineered foods from those developed through traditional agricultural practices.
The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard: Enhancing Transparency
Established by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) following the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law of 2016, the Standard is a pivotal move towards a more transparent food system. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue highlighted the importance of this regulation, stating it “increases the transparency of our nation’s food system, establishing guidelines for regulated entities on when and how to disclose bioengineered ingredients.” The primary goal is to provide consumers with consistent and clear information about the ingredients in their food, replacing a potentially confusing patchwork of state-level regulations with a unified national approach to bioengineered food disclosure.
This standard mandates food manufacturers, importers, and certain retailers to disclose information about bioengineered food ingredients. To assist these regulated entities, the AMS has developed a List of Bioengineered Foods. This list identifies crops and foods available in bioengineered form globally, serving as a reference for businesses to determine if their products require disclosure. Maintaining records related to this list is essential for compliance.
Entities have several options for disclosing bioengineered food content. These include:
- Text Labeling: Clearly stating “Bioengineered Food” on the product packaging.
- Symbol: Utilizing a designated symbol to indicate bioengineering.
- Electronic or Digital Link (QR Code): Providing a scannable code that consumers can access for disclosure information.
- Text Message: Offering information via text message in certain cases.
- Small Food Manufacturers & Packages Options: Allowing smaller entities and packages to use alternative methods like phone numbers or web addresses for disclosure.
Implementation Timeline: Key Dates to Remember
The implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard is being rolled out in phases. While the Standard was officially established, regulated entities were given time to adapt to the new requirements:
- January 1, 2020: Initial implementation date, primarily for larger food manufacturers.
- January 1, 2021: Implementation date extended to small food manufacturers.
- January 1, 2022: Mandatory compliance date for all regulated entities.
- Until December 31, 2021: Voluntary compliance was permitted, allowing companies to get ahead of the mandatory deadline.
Rulemaking Process and Public Input
The journey to finalize the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard was a comprehensive rulemaking process that began in July 2016. The AMS actively sought public input, receiving over 14,000 comments during the formal comment period, and an additional 112,000 comments in response to initial questions posted on their website. This extensive public engagement ensured that diverse perspectives were considered in shaping the final rule, which was officially published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2018. Following this publication, the USDA committed to outreach and education efforts to inform both regulated entities and the public about the specifics of the new disclosure standard.
In conclusion, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard represents a significant advancement in food transparency within the United States. By establishing a clear definition for bioengineered food and providing a framework for mandatory disclosure, this standard empowers consumers with more information to make informed choices about the food they purchase and consume. It also provides a uniform set of rules for the food industry, replacing potential state-by-state inconsistencies with a national standard.
