When it comes to products classified as GMO-free, companies can volunteer to have those labels, but would have to pay for them. If they are approved, the seals would say “USDA Process Verified” and claim they are free of GMOs.
In 2014, Vermont became the first state to require GMO labelling. It’s currently going through the legal processes but if everything passes, the law would come into effect in 2016.
When it comes to beef that’s been tenderized by a machine, labels indicating so will be put on food packages to let consumers know they should cook the meat thoroughly.
The labels will be required by May 2016 and will apply to any meat that’s been tenderized using needles or blades – a process that can sometimes transfer E. coli or salmonella.
Special attention is being paid to beef because of the fact that some people don’t cook it all the way through.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there’s been about six cases of sickness that’s been directly linked to beef tenderized by machinery in the past 15 years.
Tell us what you think about these new labelling requirements being put forward by the USDA. As a farmer, might it change your approach?