One of the most debated elements of the mandatory GMO labeling law signed by President Obama last summer is the inclusion of a scannable barcode, like a QR code, on product packaging. Since the bill’s discussions in Congress, there has been ongoing contention regarding the adequacy of the barcode. While some contend that many consumers lack the necessary technology or knowledge to use these codes, others argue that a scannable code is accessible to the majority of Americans and can provide detailed information that cannot fit on a product label.
A 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 study has yet to be released, even if it is already finished. Regardless of differing opinions on the QR code issue, the study represents a crucial step in the law’s implementation.
The Center for Food Safety is firmly against the use of QR codes for disclosure, citing statistics that indicate a significant number of consumers lack access to smartphones and are unfamiliar with scanning QR codes. Nonetheless, the study is equally important for those who support QR codes and other scannable technologies, as well as for those who remain neutral. A significant concern is whether the USDA will meet the 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 notable public engagement since then was the department’s release of a list of questions for food producers in late June. With some states enacting their own GMO labeling laws, failure to meet the deadline could lead to a confusing patchwork of labeling regulations across the country.
Beyond GMO labeling, this study will also be beneficial to the broader industry. As these labels gradually emerge within the food system—both through the unrelated SmartLabel program supported by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and on genetically modified products like Arctic apples—it’s crucial to understand consumer reactions to this technology and whether they utilize it effectively. If there is a need for further initiatives, such as improved education on how the codes function or enhanced internet connectivity for grocery shoppers, stakeholders may want to engage in these efforts soon. Additionally, integrating elements like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 into food products may also require careful consideration of labeling practices to ensure consumers are well informed.