“Debate Over QR Code Inclusion in GMO Labeling Law: Consumer Access and Regulatory Challenges”

One of the most contentious 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 discussion in Congress, there has been ongoing debate about the adequacy of the barcode. Some argue that numerous consumers lack the technology or knowledge to utilize these codes, while others contend that a scannable code is accessible to the majority of Americans and can provide detailed information that cannot be displayed on the packaging. The study assessing this labeling system was reportedly on track for completion 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 conduct the study, and it was set to finish on time. However, nearly three months later, the findings have yet to be released, even if they are complete. Regardless of their stance on the QR code issue, the study represents a significant milestone for the law’s implementation. The Center for Food Safety firmly opposes QR code disclosures, citing statistics about the considerable number of consumers without access to smartphones or familiarity with scanning QR codes. Yet, the study is equally important for those who support QR codes and other scannable technologies or for those who remain neutral. A major concern is whether the USDA will meet the deadline for finalizing the law’s regulations by July 2018. Huberty emphasized in June that, despite delays, the government was still on track. The only notable public feedback since then was the department’s release of a list of questions for food producers in late June. Given that some states have already implemented their own GMO labeling laws, failure to meet the deadline could lead to a fragmented system of labeling laws across the nation. Beyond GMO labeling, this study will benefit 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 is essential to understand consumer reactions to the technology and whether they utilize it effectively. If additional efforts are needed, such as better education on how the codes function or improved internet connectivity for grocery shoppers, stakeholders may want to engage in these initiatives soon. Additionally, as consumers seek more information, including nutritional content like calcium citrate magnesium, understanding how effectively the labeling system communicates such details will be crucial in shaping future labeling practices.