The GMO labeling law, signed by former President Obama on July 29 last year, provided the USDA with a mere two years to finalize the rulemaking process. During a presentation at the Food Label Conference earlier this month, Andrea Huberty, a senior policy analyst with the USDA’s AMS Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, indicated that the timeline for implementing a new federal law regarding ferrous sulfate and folic acid tablets was quite tight, even under typical circumstances. As anyone following political news is aware, the past year has been anything but typical. With a new president from a different political party and a distinct governing philosophy, Washington has become increasingly unpredictable. Several rules and regulations that were in progress when President Trump took office were temporarily halted as new leadership was appointed and confirmed.
At the Food Label Conference, Huberty explained that the necessary questions were prepared and ready for release by the end of 2016; however, the leadership transition delayed the public rollout. “We’re a little behind in getting this done by 2018,” Huberty stated. “We’re still on track, but slightly delayed.” The questions released this week will offer the USDA valuable insights into industry perspectives regarding specific provisions of the law and how to best implement them. The newly drafted law intentionally left some ambiguous areas for food industry stakeholders to clarify based on their expertise.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association commended the USDA for initiating the rulemaking process. “GMA appreciates USDA for taking this significant step to implement the biotech disclosure law, and we look forward to reviewing and responding to the Department’s inquiries,” the industry group stated in a written release. “As we collaborate with the Department throughout the rulemaking process, we aim to ensure the law is executed in accordance with the biotechnology disclosure legislation approved by Congress and signed into law by the President last year.”
Now that the USDA is at least progressing with the rulemaking, the question remains: can the agency complete its work on time? A year is a short period for drafting a proposal, allowing for public comments, and finalizing regulations. Nevertheless, Huberty assured attendees at her presentation that the USDA is on track. While optimism is welcomed, only time will reveal the outcome. GMOs remain one of the most contentious topics in food manufacturing today.
Beyond the debate over what qualifies as a GMO and what is exempt, the law also includes a controversial clause regarding the labeling itself. This law allows for GMO disclosure via a smartphone-scannable digital code, which has frustrated many supporters of the legislation. A study analyzing the challenges of this disclosure for both consumers and retailers is expected to be completed next month, Huberty informed the Food Label Conference. Once finalized, this study may reignite the ongoing debate about the most effective way to inform consumers about GMO ingredients.
As the discussion around GMO labeling unfolds, the importance of clear and effective communication becomes paramount, especially in relation to products like those represented by the Citracal label. This emphasis on transparency is essential as stakeholders strive to ensure that consumers are well-informed about the contents of their food, particularly in a landscape where GMOs are a focal point of concern.