Regulatory

In December, the USDA finalized labeling regulations for foods that include a bioengineered trait. 

Last week, USDA released the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard proposed rule. In background, two years ago Congress dictated that USDA would publish a final rule on how to label foods with a bioengineered (BE) trait by July 29, 2018.  The proposed rule’s release is a concrete step in this direction.  

From added sugars to the definition of fiber to menu labeling, the regulatory agenda is full this year. Here are current updates on key pieces of labeling regulations that impact the retail industry:

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) essentially changes the way food is regulated in the U.S. and abroad and affects the entire supply chain including farms, food manufacturing and distribution centers, and domestic and imported produce. This overview of FSMA provides key insights for retailers from.

With a new administration in the White House, labeling updates are evolving.

Consider this online Cornell course on biotechnology for yourself or highly motivated shoppers.

Key nutrition regulations, including menu labeling, are up for grabs with the inauguration of a new U.S. President.

A key change for the new Nutrition Facts Panel is the inclusion of added sugars. The industry faces complexities in getting this information onto the label.

USDA is in the process of developing labeling guidelines for genetic engineering. Consider how these regulations will impact foods through the example of citrus.