[author: Rachel S. Dolphin]

In November we reported that the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was seeking public comments on the use of the term “natural” on food labeling, including foods that are genetically engineered or that contain ingredients produced through genetic engineering. On December 28, FDA announced that it is extending the comment period by 90 days, until May 10, 2016. Use of the Term “Natural” in the Labeling of Human Food Products; Request for Information and Comments; Extension of Comment Period, 80 Fed. Reg. 80718 (proposed Dec. 28, 2015) (to be codified at 21 C.F.R. pt. 101). FDA made this decision after receiving requests for an extension in order to provide people sufficient time to “develop meaningful or thoughtful comments.”