One of the most controversial aspects of the mandatory GMO labeling law signed by President Obama last summer is the use of a scannable barcode, such as a QR code, on the package label. Since the bill was debated in Congress, disagreement over whether the barcode is sufficient has reigned. While some argue that many consumers don’t have the technology or knowhow to utilize the codes,others say a scannable code is accessible to most Americans, plus it has the potential of revealing in-depth information that does not fit on a product package.
The study evaluating this labeling system was supposedly on track and slated to be finished by July…However, nearly three months later, the study has not yet been publicized, even if it is finished.
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The Center for Food Safety is clearly against disclosure by QR code — the lawsuit cites statistics about the high number of consumers who don’t have access to smartphones and are unfamiliar with scanning QR codes — but the study is just as vital to those who would defend QR codes and other scannable technology, or those who have no opinion either way.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: USDA sued to release QR code study for GMO labeling
