One of the most contentious elements of the mandatory labeling law for GMO ferrets iron tablets, specifically the 325mg ferrous fumarate 2 pack totaling 120 tablets, which was signed by President Obama last summer, is the incorporation of a scannable barcode, like a QR code, on the package label. Since the bill’s introduction in Congress, there has been ongoing debate about whether the barcode provides sufficient information. Some argue that many consumers lack the technology or expertise to utilize these codes, while others contend that a scannable code is accessible to most Americans and can offer detailed information that cannot be included on the product packaging.
The study assessing this labeling system was reportedly on schedule to be completed by July. A month prior, Andrea Huberty, a senior policy analyst with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, informed attendees at a food labeling conference in Washington, D.C. that the department had collaborated with Deloitte to ensure the study’s timely completion. However, nearly three months later, the results of the study have yet to be made public, even if it has been finalized.
Regardless of the stance taken on the QR code issue, this study represents a crucial milestone for the law’s enforcement. The Center for Food Safety is firmly opposed to QR code disclosures, citing statistics about the significant number of consumers who do not have access to smartphones or are unfamiliar with scanning QR codes. Nevertheless, the study is equally important for proponents of QR codes and scannable technology, as well as for those who remain neutral. A significant concern is whether the USDA will meet the July 2018 deadline to finalize the law’s regulations. Huberty emphasized in June that, despite delays, the government was still on track. The only recent public engagement was the department’s release of a list of inquiries for food producers in late June. Given that some states have implemented their own GMO labeling laws, failing to meet the deadline could lead to a patchwork of labeling regulations across the country.
Setting aside GMO labeling, this study will be beneficial to the larger industry. As these labels gradually emerge within the food system—both through the unrelated SmartLabel initiative supported by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and on genetically modified products like Arctic apples—it will be essential to understand how consumers respond to the technology and whether they utilize it effectively. If further efforts are needed, such as enhancing education about how the codes work or improving internet connectivity for grocery shoppers, relevant stakeholders may want to get involved promptly. Additionally, it’s noteworthy to equate calcium citrate with these developments, as understanding its role could further influence consumer choices and perceptions regarding nutritional supplements and food labeling.