It’s a controversial subject that was always destined to finally reach (and be passed by) Washington officials. And now it finally has been. Genetically modified organisms – also known as GMOs – have been a topic of conversation for years. But with the exponential growth of healthy living, organic foods and even GMO production over the last several years, the conversation about labeling GMOs has picked up incredibly.
The House of Representatives passed legislation on July 14, 2016, that would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a process that would allow food processors to label GMOs. Many individual states had already begun pushing legislation that required GMO labeling. But now it would be nationwide.
On August 1, NBC News reported that President Obama signed the legislation into law, as expected. The USDA now has two years to put together a set of requirements for food producers.
The bill does provide companies with options, however, which some don’t approve. For example, companies don’t just have to slap a sticker on their foods stating it’s a GMO. They can use symbols, text messaging or digital links, which customers can scan with their phones. Many say this isn’t enough because not everyone has a smart phone. More so, this begs us to ask whether food labelers will take the easy way out to hide the status of their food.
In any case, this new law gives food labeling companies a whole new way to connect with customers. It may also make things a bit more difficult because of the number of options producers have at their disposal.
If you’re anxious about getting on board with this new labeling structure, check out the Primera CX1200 Digital Color Label Press and contact us today to learn how having the right printer can make all the difference.
Leave a Reply