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Recent Legal Victory for Natural Grocers

In a momentous decision, a federal appeals court has sided with Natural Grocers®, the Center for Food Safety (CFS), and other advocates in their challenge against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Act. This ruling is seen as a major triumph for those campaigning for transparency in food labeling and recognizes consumers' right to clear and accurate information about the food they purchase.

The Importance of Clear Labelling

The recent court decision effectively prioritizes consumer rights by addressing several critical loopholes in the USDA's regulations. For some time, these loopholes had raised concerns among consumers and advocates who felt that the existing rules did not protect their right to knowledge about food origins especially when it comes to genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Key Points of the Ruling

1. Use of Terminology: The court's ruling allows retailers to use the term "GMO," which is widely recognized by consumers. Previously, USDA regulations had mandated the exclusive use of the term "bioengineered," a terminology that many found confusing. Advocates argued this infringed on free speech rights and did not adequately inform consumers about the products they were purchasing.

2. Limitations of QR Codes: The court dismissed rules that permitted companies to rely solely on QR codes or text messages for disclosing GMO-related information. These methods, while modern, can alienate many consumers who may not have smartphones or reliable internet access. The ruling demanded that companies provide clear, on-package information that can be accessed by all consumers, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make informed choices about their food.

3. Requirement for Comprehensive Ingredient Labeling: The court found that the USDA's exemption for certain highly processed foods from GMO labeling was incorrect. This means that even if genetically altered genes are not detectable in the final product, the initial ingredients originating from bioengineered crops still require labeling. The USDA will need to revise its rules in future regulations to align with this ruling.

Looking Ahead

This court decision marks a significant step forward in consumer information and labeling clarity. The USDA is now mandated to rectify its rules to ensure all labeling is transparent and accessible. Heather Isely, executive vice president of Natural Grocers, expressed satisfaction, stating, “Congress never intended to require the use of specific terms... We are pleased the court recognized the shortcomings of the final rule and mandated corrections.”

George Kimbrell, legal director of the Center for Food Safety, also celebrated this victory, emphasizing that consumers will soon gain access to invaluable labeling information they deserve. This is an important juncture in the ongoing battle for GMO transparency and accountability in the food industry.

Natural Grocers' Commitment to Quality

Natural Grocers has championed the call for GMO labeling since 2012, successfully leading initiatives to promote transparent labeling in markets across the nation. The company has set rigorous standards that prohibit most GMO ingredients from its product offerings. This includes all items produced through new genetic techniques.

Their guiding principle is straightforward: food should be sourced from real ingredients with minimal alterations. Products at high risk of being genetically modified must either be certified organic or verified as non-GMO, with products failing to meet these requirements being excluded from their shelves. This commitment not only highlights their dedication to customer health but enhances the overall quality of the products available to consumers.

In conclusion, the ruling supports ongoing advocacy for clear disclosure about food products, reflecting a growing public demand for transparency and accountability within the food industry. As Natural Grocers continues to engage in the GMO regulatory process, the momentum gained from this court decision may pave the way for further legislative improvements in consumer rights and food safety.