USDA Work on GMO Labeling Law Underway

Congress passed a federal GMO labeling law earlier this summer, and the USDA is now working on how the rules will be implemented.

Secretary Tom Vilsack said they won’t have everything in place by the time the new President is sworn into office, but they can get some important work done.

“Soliciting input from everyone. We have set up a website. We have set up a 1-800 number that people can call with suggestions and comments that will allow us to better understand what folks are expecting out of this.”

Vilsack said they want to make the rule consistent with the directive from Congress, workable in the marketplace, is legally understandable and clear, and works with rules in the international sector even if that means it won’t be done under his watch.

“That’s the goal, to do this as much as we can of laying this strong foundation upon which this rule can be built.”

There is also concern that GMO information will be available mostly through electronic means and Vilsack wants to ensure that those in rural communities with no access to broadband can still get what they need.