Statement from Just Label It on USDA’s Final Rule for Nationwide Disclosures of GMO Foods

For Immediate Release

December 20, 2018

Statement from Just Label It on USDA’s Final Rule for Nationwide Disclosures of GMO Foods

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of Agriculture released a final rule to implement the mandatory GMO disclosure law, passed in 2016. Below is a statement from Gary Hirshberg, chairman of the Just Label It campaign.

“Today’s final GMO disclosure rule is the latest example of chemical industry whitewashing by the Trump administration.

For more than six years, Just Label It has advocated for consumers across the country in support of one basic principle: All Americans have the right to know if their food is genetically engineered, regardless of where they live and what technology they have.

Instead, the Trump administration’s final GMO rule more closely resembles something that could have been written by chemical companies, like Monsanto-Bayer, that profit from the sale of their GMO seeds and the toxic weed killers, like glyphosate, that are sprayed on them. These same chemical companies that have enjoyed record profits at the expense of public health and the environment have fought consumers’ right to know every step of the way.

Specifically, we are deeply disappointed that the final rule does not clearly require the disclosure of all genetically engineered ingredients, including highly refined sugars and oils, and new GMO techniques like CRISPR and RNAi. The rule fails to require that foods be disclosed using terms that consumers understand like “genetically engineered” or “GMO.” And it leaves consumers in the dark if they live in rural places with poor cell service or don’t have smart phones.

Smart companies, like Campbell’s, Mars, Danone, Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola and Unilever, have pledged to go beyond USDA’s weak standard and voluntarily disclose all GMO foods. Just Label It is calling on the rest of the food industry to join their lead.

Consumers and Congress expected much more when Congress passed the national GMO disclosure law, in 2016. Disappointingly, the Trump administration has once again sided with the profits of the chemical industry and failed to deliver for ordinary Americans.

Just Label It will work with congressional leaders and the incoming Congress to enforce the clear spirit and intent of the law and will fight to ensure that all GMO foods are disclosed.”