Viewpoint: USDA’s GMO labeling proposal is ‘the right way to do it’

USDA GMO Food Labels Logos Confusing Cartoony
USDA bioengineered food labels. Image: USDA

After two years of waiting, the USDA has finally published its proposed regulations to implement labeling of genetically modified crops.

There are a few things that I find very interesting, and even encouraging about the proposed rules.

First, the USDA has decided these foods will be called โ€œbioengineeredโ€ instead of โ€œGMOs.โ€ Words matter and not only is bioengineered probably a more precise term, it also does not come with the negative connotations associated with โ€œGMOs.โ€

Second, the use of a symbol to designate that a product contains GMO ingredients is also an important change. Wouldnโ€™t it be great if the USDA created a label that cast bioengineered foods in a positive light? Maybe they could come up with something that represents the environmental benefits for these crops? Friends, that is exactly what they did!

If I had to choose just one, I would probably pick the smiling sun. At the end of the day, genetically modified crops are green crops and the symbol representing them should express it.

Fundamentally, I still believe such a labeling requirement is obnoxious and unnecessary. That being said, if such a law is going to exist, this is definitely the right way to do it.

Read full, original post:ย USDA Publishes Draft GMO Labeling Rules โ€“ And They Are Brilliant!

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