The Senate compromise legislation creating a nationwide disclosure system for foods made with genetically modified ingredients would cover highly refined sugars and oils, according to a USDA letter.
The letter is a response to a request from Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., for the agency to clarify the definition of bioengineering described in the bill.
Critics of the bill have argued that it does not cover some refined ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup and canola oil.
The USDA letter also counters a June 27 Food and Drug Administration letter to lawmakers saying the agency had concerns that the bill could "raise confusion" among consumers in terms of what foods would be covered.