In implementing the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, otherwise known as the national GMO labeling rule, USDA must adhere to the law, follow the science and ensure the standard does not put a perfectly safe product and very important tool for farmers in a negative light, the American Farm Bureau Federation said in recently submitted comments.  

The standard, which requires the disclosure of bioengineered food ingredients in certain food products, was signed into law last year and gave USDA two years to come up with a rule by July 2018.  

“This isn’t a health or safety or nutrition standard, it’s purely a marketing standard. And so, keeping that in mind as any rule is being developed, that it is for marketing purposes and a good opportunity to provide more information to consumers,” Andrew Walmsley, AFBF biotech specialist, said in Newsline (08-29-2017).