New Allowances For Including A 'Non-GMO' Statement On Certified Organic Meat And Poultry Products

Organic meat and poultry producers can now use a streamlined process to get approval for labels verifying that their products do not include genetically engineered (GE) ingredients.  These products may also now use a “Non-GMO” label claim.  Because of this, we’re updating a previous blog from our “Organic 101” series.

In 2014, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) streamlined procedures for including a “non-genetically engineered” statement on the label of organic meat and poultry products.  This continues to be consistent with organic regulations, which have always prohibited the use of GE in all organic products.  Today, FSIS is adding further process improvements and labeling flexibilities, in light of recently passed legislation.  Many organic stakeholders have expressed an interest in using “Non-GMO” label claims to clearly communicate to consumers that organic products do not contain genetically engineered ingredients, and that organic animals were not fed genetically engineered feed. 

So why the change? In a newly-passed law, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Act, Congress stated that organic certification is sufficient to make claims about the absence of bioengineered ingredients, such as “non-GMO.”  Also, the Food and Drug Administration recently clarified its policy to accept claims that products do not contain genetically modified ingredients, including “non-GMO” statements.  This lets USDA grant additional labeling flexibility to organic producers and processors.  The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which runs the National Organic Program and establishes organic standards, worked closely with FSIS on their updated guidance.  FSIS and AMS have long shared responsibility for verifying accurate labeling of certified organic meat and poultry products.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: USDA Blog