Understanding the Bioengineered Label
Since January 1, 2022, the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard has mandated that food manufacturers disclose the presence of bioengineered (BE) ingredients in their products. This is why you may have started noticing the new 'Bioengineered' label or symbol on many processed food items in the grocery store. The standard requires manufacturers to inform consumers if a product contains ingredients from crops that have had their genetic material changed in a way that could not have occurred naturally.
For Bush's baked beans, this labeling applies not to the beans themselves, but to other components derived from common bioengineered crops. The vast majority of commercially grown corn and soybeans in the U.S. are genetically engineered, meaning ingredients derived from them, like corn syrup or modified starch, are subject to the disclosure rule if they contain detectable genetic material.
Specific Ingredients in Bush's Baked Beans
While the navy beans used in most Bush's baked bean varieties are not bioengineered, many of the sauces and seasonings contain ingredients derived from crops that are. By law, food companies must state if a food contains bioengineered ingredients, but they do not have to list which specific ingredient or explain the type of modification. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides a breakdown based on ingredient lists, revealing some common examples.
Bioengineered Ingredients Commonly Found
- Modified Corn Starch: Used as a thickener in sauces, this ingredient is often derived from bioengineered corn.
- Corn Syrup Solids: As a sweetener, this is another common corn-derived ingredient subject to disclosure.
- Brown Sugar: In some instances, the sugar used may be sourced from bioengineered sugar beets.
Bioengineered vs. Non-Bioengineered Bush's Baked Beans
To help consumers make an informed choice, it is helpful to compare different products within the Bush's lineup. This table outlines the primary differences based on ingredient sourcing and labeling, with the organic version being the clearest non-bioengineered option.
| Feature | Conventional Bush's Baked Beans (e.g., Brown Sugar Hickory) | Bush's Best Organic Beans (e.g., Organic Black Beans) |
|---|---|---|
| Bioengineered Label | Required for varieties containing BE ingredients (e.g., corn derivatives). | Prohibited, as organic certification forbids BE ingredients. |
| Bean Sourcing | Uses standard, commercially grown navy beans, which are not bioengineered. | Uses certified organic beans, grown without genetic engineering. |
| Sauce Ingredients | May include modified corn starch, corn syrup solids, or other BE-derived additives. | Made with non-GMO, organic sweeteners and thickeners to comply with organic standards. |
| Organic Status | Not certified organic. | Certified organic by a third-party organization. |
| Consumer Choice | Suitable for consumers who are comfortable with BE ingredients under federal law. | A clear choice for those wishing to avoid bioengineered ingredients entirely. |
The Safety and Science of Bioengineered Food
The safety of bioengineered food is a complex and often debated topic. However, major scientific and regulatory bodies, including the FDA and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), have stated that there is no substantiated evidence that commercially available bioengineered foods are less safe than their non-bioengineered counterparts. The NASEM committee found that broad, sweeping statements about BE crops are problematic because the issues are multidimensional, covering environmental impacts and agricultural practices as well as human health. The USDA disclosure is primarily about consumer transparency and the right to know, rather than a safety warning.
The Bottom Line for Consumers
Ultimately, the decision to purchase bioengineered foods is a personal one. The good news for consumers is that labeling standards provide the information necessary to make this choice. If you wish to avoid bioengineered ingredients, seeking out the USDA Organic seal is a reliable way to do so, as organic standards explicitly prohibit genetically engineered ingredients. Alternatively, you can check product packaging for the specific "Bioengineered" symbol or text, and use online resources like SmartLabel to verify a product's contents.
For more information, visit the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service website.
