Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Thinks Consumers Are Stupid

This morning's New York Times reports that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has as of January 1, 2008 banned labeling on dairy products that informs consumers of the absence of artificial bovine growth hormones. The Pennsylvania agriculture secretary reportedly said that such absence labeling confuses consumers because it implies "there is a safe, nonsafe dimension." The ban will reportedly extend to "pesticide free" and "antibiotic free". The secretary's position seems like a long stretch. It undercuts consumer rights to transparency -- whether in the context of food labeling, cosmetics & body care product labeling or corporate financial statements.