New GMO Food Labeling Laws: What to Expect

On July 29th, President Obama signed the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 into law. This act addresses foods produced with genetic modification, most commonly known as GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Although there is no substantial evidence to support or denounce the safety of genetically modified foods, this act has sparked much controversy in the anti-GMO community, which has nicknamed the legislation the DARK (Denying Americans the Right to Know) Act.

Despite your personal stance on genetically modified foods, every American should be informed about what to expect regarding the newly passed law. Here are some key facts:

1) Within two years after the law is enacted, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will create a mandatory bioengineered food labeling program. Currently, there is a widely known non-profit company that conducts their own third-party GMO labeling, called the Non-GMO Project. Critics of the bill are saying that the USDA’s certification process will be much less rigorous than that of the Non-GMO Project in terms of testing and segregation.

2) The newly passed law will override Vermont, Connecticut and Maine’s new laws requiring the labeling of foods produced with genetic engineering. Every state will have to comply with the national labeling standards.

3) Companies will be given a choice about how to label their packages if their products contain GMOs. This may include using text, a symbol, an electronic/digital link (e.g., QR code) or phone number consumers can call for more information. You can find QR code reading apps for your smart phone on the App Store or Google Play.

4) Not all foods made with GMOs will be required to be labeled. For example, animal products produced by animals who were fed genetically modified substances will not have to be labeled as containing GMOs.

Bottom Line: Although the jury is out on the safety of GMOs, it’s never a bad idea to be an informed consumer. Be sure to keep up with the many changes to come with the USDA’s new bioengineered food labeling program.

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