Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA will probably release a notice of proposed rulemaking for GMO labeling regulations before year’s end.
American Soybean Association Vice President Ron Moore says they’re closely watching the rulemaking to make sure the Congressional intent is followed and will hold USDA’s feet to the fire if needed.

In fact, the Food Safety and Inspection Service stated recently they are allowing the labeling of meat and milk that is produced with feed that is genetically enhanced, which Moore says violates the GMO labeling rules.

Moore says the rule does not set rules or parameters on the various marketing gimmicks that food companies have used, especially regarding labeling foods non-GMO that never were to begin with.

Vilsack says the department will also send a request for a proposal in October for a study on the effectiveness of disclosing GMO information electronically. He hopes USDA will complete the study in the summer of 2017.
He stressed the need for transparency to the public and the U.S. international trading partners when writing the labeling rules. Vilsack also says USDA will work to make sure any labeling rules are compliant with World Trade Organization commitments.