Prop. 37 may have national implications

As reported by this blog, many consumers in the state of California require more clarity from food labels. More specifically, in November, California residents will vote on Proposition 37, which will determine whether companies should be required to create custom labels that dictate if their food or drink products contains genetically modified organisms (GMO).

While many consumers may be applauding this effort as a win, major food companies are putting up big dollars in opposition of the movement. In fact, according to Reuters, the seed giant Monsanto Company and PepsiCo Inc have each put up $25 million against Prop 37.

But, in addition to requiring the companies to label whether they contain GMOs in their products, the bill will also prohibit the use of “natural” or “all natural” labeling on product packaging or any promotional materials, according to Forbes.

The source goes on to explain that, “food producers that would otherwise benefit from, and thus support, Prop 37’s mandated biotech label, may end up opposing Prop 37 once they think through the impact on the ‘natural’ marketing ban.”

While Prop 37 may only be centralized in California, many experts say that the state often leads the charge for trends that ripple throughout the country. It’s clear that regardless of what kind of product small food and beverage producers create, they may need to adjust their product labels if the bill passes in November.

In order to do this and still maintain eye-pleasing, high quality custom labels, companies should invest in a Primera LX900 color label printer to create what could be necessary label changes.