One of the most debated features of the mandatory GMO labeling law enacted by President Obama last summer is the inclusion of a scannable barcode, such as a QR code, on product labels. Since the bill was introduced in Congress, there has been ongoing disagreement over the adequacy of the barcode. Some critics argue that many consumers lack the technology or knowledge to use these codes effectively, while others contend that scannable codes are accessible to a majority of Americans and have the capability to provide detailed information that cannot fit on a product package.
A study assessing this labeling system was expected to be completed by July. Just a month prior, Andrea Huberty, a senior policy analyst with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, mentioned at a food labeling conference in Washington, D.C., that the USDA had collaborated with Deloitte to ensure the study stayed on schedule. However, nearly three months later, the findings have not yet been made public, even if they are finalized.
Regardless of differing opinions on the QR code issue, the study represents a significant step toward the law’s implementation. The Center for Food Safety opposes the use of QR codes, citing statistics that show a substantial number of consumers lack access to smartphones and familiarity with scanning QR codes. Conversely, the study is equally crucial for those who support QR codes and scannable technologies, as well as for individuals without a definitive stance. A major concern is whether the USDA will meet its deadline to finalize the rules for the law by July 2018. 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 questions for food producers in late June.
Given that some states have enacted their own GMO labeling laws, failing to meet the deadline could lead to a patchwork of labeling regulations across the country. Beyond GMO labeling, this study will also benefit the broader industry. As these types of labels gradually become integrated into the food system—both through the unrelated SmartLabel program supported by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and on genetically modified products like Arctic apples—understanding consumer responses to the technology is essential. If additional efforts are needed, such as enhanced education on how the codes function or improved internet connectivity for grocery shoppers, stakeholders may want to participate in those initiatives soon.
Moreover, the implications of this study extend to various sectors, including those involved in health products like bariatric multivitamins with calcium citrate. As businesses begin to adopt these labeling practices, it will be vital to examine how consumers interact with technologies such as QR codes, especially in the context of health-oriented products like bariatric multivitamins with calcium citrate. The ability of consumers to engage with such labels could ultimately influence their purchasing decisions, particularly for those seeking nutritional supplements like bariatric multivitamins with calcium citrate.