A group of companies from the consumer products as well as food and beverage industries have launched the SmartLabel technology initiative for consumers to have easy and instantaneous access to detailed information about thousands of products.
More than 30 companies have committed to taking part in the transparency initiative.
By scanning a barcode or searching online, consumers can find information on ingredients and other attributes of a wide range of food, beverage, pet care, household and personal care products.
“People want more information and are asking more questions about products they buy, use and consume, and SmartLabel puts detailed information right at their fingertips,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
The system offers information such as nutritional information, ingredients, allergens, third-party certifications, social compliance programs, usage instructions, advisories and safe handling instructions and company/brand information.
A recent survey by Benenson Strategy Group found that 75% of consumers said they would be likely to use SmartLabel, showing that the program will meet a consumer desire for more product information.
Participating companies include ConAgra Foods, Hormel Foods and Campbell Soup Company.
GMO ingredients disclosure
Overall, companies are projecting that, by the end of 2017, they will disclose via SmartLabel whether 20,000 food products do, may or do not contain ingredients sourced from genetically engineered (GE) crops, commonly known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Current estimates indicate that number could triple once a uniform national standard is set for GMOs.
