Label GMOs with QR Codes? Not So Fast, Senators Say
Consumers aren’t the only ones who aren’t keen on a
high-tech “solution” to GMO labeling. Sanders, along with Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) fired off a letter to the GMA’s executive director, Pam Bailey, stating that they are “troubled” by the QR code scheme’s “anti-consumer loopholes.” Here are their questions: How will GMA ensure that
consumers who don’t have smart phones—typically lower
income, less educated, or elderly individuals—are able to
access important food labeling information while they are
shopping in grocery store aisles? The Senators request a response by February 17, 2016. Vermont’s GMO labeling law is at risk, if a federal bill preempts it with QR codes. Connecticut’s GMO labeling law can’t take effect until several other New England states pass similar laws. And Massachusetts currently has a bill under consideration, supported by 155 state legislators. You can read the entire letter here. It pretty much sums up the reasons that consumers reject QR codes, and remain committed to requiring mandatory, on-package labeling of GMOs. Please tell your Senators you want mandatory, on-package labeling of GMOs—not QR codes! Katherine Paul is associate director of the Organic Consumers Association.
|