WASHINGTON, D.C. - For the first time ever, genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) will have to be labeled on food packaging, following the signing of a new bill by President Barack Obama.

Under the new legislation that was brought by Congress two weeks ago and signed by Obama on Friday, most food packages will be required to carry either a text label, a symbol, or a QR code to be read by smartphones that indicates if the product contains GMOs. From the time of signing, the United States Agriculture Department has two years to write specific rules for the bill to follow, The Washington Post reports. 

Tom Stenzel, President and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association gave his own statement on the bill when it was passed by Congress, applauding the strong bipartisan passage on a bill that, “provides much-needed clarity for the food and agriculture sector, as well as consumers.”  

“The bill puts the requirement for labeling on those companies that introduce these foods into the marketplace, which may reduce the pressure on companies to seek “non-GMO” verified labeling. At the same time, the bill provides significant flexibility to companies with genetically engineered foods as to the manner of labeling, whether on package text, symbol, or link to a website,” Stenzel continued in his statement. “Finally, this bill would provide for a coherent national labeling program, preventing the 50-state nightmare that might otherwise arise.” 

According to Stenzel, the bill is widely supported by all sectors of the food industry, including all major farm organizations, food manufacturers, and retailers.

The bill has been met with some opposition from voices that feel it does not go far enough to inform consumers of the risk of GMO products, including political figures like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. 

While there has been very little scientific evidence suggesting GMO products are unsafe, advocates believe that consumers still have a right to be able to find out the contents of their food products. Genetic modification of foods can simply refer to plants or animals that have had genes copied from other plants or animals inserted into their DNA.  

The bill’s specific rules and consequences are still unknown as of now, but AndNowUKnow will continue to provide you with updates as the law progresses.