USDA implementing new labelling rules

May 14, 2015

New labels could be coming for GMO-free foods

People around the world are becoming more conscious about how their food is raised and prepared, and as a result, want as much information on the packaging as possible.

In the United States, the US Department of Agriculture has heard their concerns and is taking measures to identify GMO-free products and tenderized beef by placing labels on food packages.

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.

GMO free

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?

Video: Spring weed control in winter wheat with Broadway® Star (pyroxsulam + florasulam)

#CortevaTalks brings you a short update with Cereal Herbicides Category Manager, Alister McRobbie, on how to get the most out of Broadway® Star.

Significant populations of grassweeds, including ryegrass and brome, can threaten winter wheat yields. Spring applications of a contact graminicide, such as Broadway Star from Corteva Agriscience, can clear problem weeds, allowing crops to grow away in the spring.

Broadway Star (pyroxsulam + florasulam) controls ryegrass, sterile brome, wild oats and a range of broad-leaved weeds such as cleavers. It can be applied to winter wheat up until GS32, but the earlier the application is made, the smaller the weed, and the greater the benefit to the crop. Weeds should be actively growing. A good rule of thumb is that if your grass needs cutting, conditions are right to apply Broadway Star.