Understanding the Terminology
For years, the term Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) was the dominant phrase in public discourse surrounding food altered by modern biotechnology. It broadly refers to plants, animals, or microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. While this term is still widely used by consumers and advocates, the regulatory landscape in the United States has shifted. The USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), which came into effect on January 1, 2022, introduced a new, legally specific term: "bioengineered" (BE).
The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
In 2016, Congress passed the law mandating the disclosure of bioengineered foods. This was a response to growing consumer demand for transparency about what is in the food supply. The USDA was tasked with developing and implementing the standard. The resulting NBFDS mandates that food manufacturers and retailers disclose the presence of bioengineered ingredients in certain food products. A food is defined as bioengineered if it contains detectable modified genetic material that could not be created through conventional breeding.
Key Exemptions Under the NBFDS
One of the most important aspects of the NBFDS is its list of exemptions, which highlights the key difference between BE foods and the broader category of GMOs. These exemptions are a primary reason why a product can be a GMO but not legally require a BE label:
- Highly refined products: Ingredients like soybean oil, corn syrup, or sugar from sugar beets that are derived from genetically modified crops but have been so processed that the modified genetic material is no longer detectable are exempt from the labeling requirement.
- Meat, poultry, and eggs: The standard does not apply to multi-ingredient products where meat, poultry, or egg is the main ingredient, even if other components are bioengineered.
- Animals fed bioengineered feed: Products from animals that have consumed bioengineered feed (e.g., beef from a cow that ate BE corn) are not considered BE food and do not require a label.
- Small manufacturers: Very small food manufacturers are exempt from the mandatory disclosure requirements.
Common Bioengineered Crops and Foods
As of recent lists from the USDA, the following are some common crops and products that have bioengineered varieties requiring disclosure under the NBFDS if they contain detectable modified DNA:
- Alfalfa
- Canola
- Corn
- Soybean
- Sugarbeet
- AquAdvantage Salmon
- Cotton
- Certain varieties of apple, potato, and pineapple
A Breakdown of the Key Differences
To clarify the distinction, a comparison table can be helpful:
| Feature | GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) | Bioengineered (BE) Food |
|---|---|---|
| Terminology | Broad, commonly used but unregulated term | Specific, federally regulated term under US law |
| Legal Status | No federal legal definition; covers any organism with altered genetic makeup | A legally defined subset of GMOs under the USDA's NBFDS |
| Labeling | Not subject to specific federal labeling; consumer labels like "Non-GMO Project Verified" are voluntary | Mandatory labeling (text, symbol, or QR code) for qualifying products |
| Scope | Encompasses a wide range of genetic alterations, including those not requiring a BE label | A narrower definition that excludes highly refined products and animal feed |
| Detection | Doesn't depend on detectability of modified genetic material | Disclosure is only required if detectable modified genetic material is present |
Addressing Common Concerns About Bioengineered Food
The public debate around genetically modified and bioengineered foods often centers on safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Regarding safety, major scientific and health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have concluded that bioengineered foods are safe to eat. They point out that these foods undergo extensive safety evaluations that are often more rigorous than those for conventionally bred crops.
However, this consensus is not universal. Critics raise concerns about potential long-term health effects, environmental impacts like the creation of herbicide-resistant weeds, and the monopolization of seed technology by large corporations. The USDA, FDA, and EPA all play a role in regulating and assessing the safety of these products.
How to Navigate the Labels
As of 2022, manufacturers of food products containing detectable bioengineered ingredients must use the official USDA label. This can appear in several forms:
- Text: A simple statement such as "Bioengineered Food" or "Contains a Bioengineered Food Ingredient".
- Symbol: The USDA-designed circular green symbol with the word "BIOENGINEERED".
- Digital Link: A QR code or other digital link that directs consumers to a website with more information.
For consumers seeking to avoid genetically modified products more broadly, the official BE label may be insufficient due to the various exemptions. The "Non-GMO Project Verified" label is a voluntary, third-party certification that confirms a product has been produced without genetic engineering, but its standards are distinct from the federal BE regulations. Many shoppers who wish to avoid all GMOs rely on this label or look for the certified organic seal, which also prohibits the use of genetic engineering.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
The difference between bioengineered foods and GMOs is primarily a matter of legal definition versus common usage. While the term GMO is broad and unregulated, "bioengineered" refers specifically to foods with detectable altered genetic material that are subject to the USDA's mandatory labeling standard. The NBFDS provides a measure of transparency, but consumers should understand its limitations, especially regarding highly refined products and animal feed. By recognizing the distinction and knowing what the labels mean—or don't mean—shoppers can make more informed decisions about the food they purchase. For more information on the USDA's official policy, consult the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.
