In the Federal Register of November 12, 2015, FDA published a notice announcing the establishment of a docket to receive information and comments on the use of the term “natural” in the labeling of human food products, including foods that are genetically engineered or contain ingredients produced through the use of genetic engineering. See our prior posting on the notice here. The notice discussed FDA’s position on use of the term “natural”; related the events that prompted it to establish a docket to request comments on relevant issues; and posed specific questions. FDA provided a 90-day comment period that was scheduled to close on February 10, 2016.
In response to requests for a 90-day extension of the comment period to allow sufficient time to develop and submit thoughtful comments on the issues and questions presented in the notice, FDA has extended the comment period. 80 Fed. Reg. 80,718 (Dec. 28, 2015). The comment period now is rescheduled to close on May 10, 2016.
