In November 2015, FDA issued final guidance on voluntarily labeling for foods derive from genetically engineered (GE) plants. Interestingly, the agency encouraged industry to avoid statements such as “GMO free," “GE free" and “non-GMO," which are widely used on product packaging.

Instead, FDA offered appropriate examples including, “Not bioengineered," “Not genetically engineered" and “We do not use ingredients that were produced using modern biotechnology." Other examples include “Not genetically modified through the use of modern biotechnology," “This oil is made from soybeans that were not genetically engineered," and “Our corn growers do not plant bioengineered seeds."

FDA does not require labels on foods derived from GE plants. Regulators can only do so under federal law if a “material difference" exists between the GE product and its traditional counterpart, the agency said. While FDA guidance doesn’t carry the force of law, it provides direction food marketers.

In this episode, Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief, INSIDER, and Heather Granato, vice president of content, Global Health and Nutrition Network, Informa Exhibitions, discuss:

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