GMO Labeling: Are QR Codes a Solution? The GMA Says Yes

Last month, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) launched a new initiative they hope will ease the GMO labeling concerns of both consumers and producers.  Shoppers can access product information by either scanning a QR code, doing a search on the web, or by directly visiting a participating company’s website.

What exactly will it look like?

Each individual product that participates in SmartLabel will have a specific landing page that contains detailed information about the product that’s set up by the manufacturer.

Every “SmartLabel” landing page will be created with a similar format, bringing a consistent look to all products.  So yes, you’ll need an internet connection to access, which of course means if you’re in the store shopping, a smartphone is pretty much a requirement.

GMO Labeling

Are QR Codes a solution to GMO labeling? Original Photo: https://valleyleisurelifestyle.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/woman-looks-at-food-label.jpg

Leaving the products unlabeled may be perceived as “hiding” the GMOs again, a concern that’s been voiced since they first essentially sneaked into the food supply back in the 90s.  And the internet-only aspect isn’t exactly satisfying people seeking proper labels —

Advocates for mandatory labeling laws, however, have rejected the idea of using QR codes or the Internet to disclose product information, calling it discriminatory against the elderly and low-income, minority and rural populations, who may not have access to smartphones or computers.

“They are a completely unacceptable substitute for clear, concisely worded on package labeling,” Andrew Kimbrell, executive director at Center for Food Safety, said in a news release today announcing a new poll showing that 86 percent of Americans support the mandatory labeling of GMOs. “The right to know is a right for all, not just those who can afford it.”

Also, if the GMA looks to rely heavily on QR codes, which would be the fastest way to access labeling, that may really cause a stir as well.  QR codes have yet to take off as anticipated —

Visualead, a company that specializes in helping companies use QR codes, noted in early 2014 that only 15% of smart device users knew how to scan a QR code properly.

What do you think?  Is this a good compromise, or is it just a condescending concession from the GMA?

Read the full article on the GMA’s new initiative here:
http://itk.thehill.com/regulation/business/261767-gma-launches-initiative-to-label-gmos-with-qr-codes

And to learn more about the lack of success for QR codes thus far, visit:
http://www.sentrymarketing.com/2015/03/qr-codes-the-final-wordprobably/

Author: gmocontroversy

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