USDA will resume the rule making process for national biotech labeling after the confirmation of a new Secretary of Agriculture. However, Grocery Manufacturers Association members will be ready for the new law that goes into effect July 2018. GMA Executive Vice President of Communications Roger Lowe says the rule was slowed down with the change in administration and the schedule going forward will be dictated by USDA.

He says the law mandates QR codes be used instead of on-package labeling to disclose biotech information. He says many of their members are already using this code on a label they designed called the Smart Label.

While QR codes are somewhat less costly than on package labels, he says it’s more important to the industry that they have the flexibility to provide more information for the consumer.

Lowe says the QR code also allows them to update the label on an on-going basis, which is a cost savings. Plus, the codes provide other important nutritional information.