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Update (May 13): The USDA will no longer require researchers to include a disclaimer on peer-reviewed research papers that says the work is “preliminary,” The Washington Post reports. Now, when disclaimers are necessary, papers will include this statement: “The findings and conclusions in this [publication/presentation/blog/report] are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.”
Last summer, scientists at the US Department of Agriculture received a memo ordering them to label their peer-reviewed research as preliminary, The Washington Post reported last Friday (April 19).
Published manuscripts, according to the memo obtained by The Post, must include the following disclaimer: “The findings and conclusions in this preliminary publication have not been formally disseminated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.” The disclaimer has been used ...
