Understanding the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS)
In the United States, the disclosure of bioengineered foods is governed by the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), which came into full effect in 2022. The standard requires food manufacturers, importers, and retailers to label foods that contain bioengineered ingredients with the word 'bioengineered' or a specific symbol. The key distinction for consumers is that the standard uses the term “bioengineered” rather than the more common “GMO” (genetically modified organism). While the regulation provides greater transparency, it also includes specific exemptions that are crucial to understanding the bioengineered status of meat products like bacon.
The Critical Exemption for Animal Feed
This is the most important rule to understand when searching for what bacon is not bioengineered. The NBFDS includes a major exemption that states: "A food derived from an animal shall not be considered a bioengineered food solely because the animal consumed feed produced from, containing, or consisting of a bioengineered substance".
This means that if a pig is raised on bioengineered feed—such as corn or soy, which are commonly bioengineered in the US—the bacon produced from that pig is not required to carry a bioengineered food disclosure. Because a significant portion of conventionally raised livestock in the US consumes bioengineered feed, a bacon package without a BE label is not a guarantee that the pig was not fed bioengineered ingredients. To find truly non-bioengineered pork, consumers must look for other voluntary certifications that go beyond the federal mandate.
How to Find Truly Non-Bioengineered Bacon
For consumers seeking to avoid bioengineered ingredients in their bacon, the power lies in looking for specific, voluntary certifications. These labels provide a higher level of assurance than the standard BE disclosure, which has significant loopholes for animal products.
Certifications to Look For
- USDA Organic Seal: This is the gold standard for avoiding bioengineered ingredients in bacon. The USDA Organic program prohibits the use of any bioengineered crops or organisms. For bacon to be certified organic, the pigs must be fed organic feed, which by law must be non-GMO. This certification also includes other standards related to animal welfare and production.
- Non-GMO Project Verified: This third-party verification process confirms that a product is made without genetically engineered ingredients. For meat products like bacon, this verification requires documentation that the animal's feed was non-GMO. This label provides a strong, specific assurance regarding the absence of bioengineered components.
- Small-Scale & Pasture-Raised: Many smaller, independent farms that raise animals on pasture or use non-GMO feed may not go through a formal USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project verification process due to cost. Instead, they often market their practices directly on their packaging or website, proudly proclaiming "No GMO Feed" or "Pasture-Raised". Purchasing from these sources often requires more research but can support local and transparent farming practices.
Plant-Based Alternatives
For those who do not consume animal products, plant-based bacon offers another way to ensure you're avoiding bioengineered ingredients. Many plant-based bacon products, made from ingredients like soy, seitan, or coconut, are explicitly labeled as non-GMO or certified organic. These alternatives remove the ambiguity surrounding animal feed and offer a direct pathway to non-bioengineered options.
Comparing Bacon Types for Transparency
To clarify your choices, the following table compares different bacon types based on their bioengineered status and labeling practices.
| Bacon Type | Potential Bioengineered Status | Labeling Indicator | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Bacon | Pigs almost certainly consumed bioengineered feed (typically corn or soy). | No 'bioengineered' label required due to animal feed exemption. | Widely available, typically lower cost. | No transparency regarding BE feed; not truly non-bioengineered. |
| USDA Organic Bacon | Explicitly non-bioengineered, from pigs fed certified organic feed. | Bears the official USDA Organic seal. | Guaranteed non-BE feed; also meets other organic standards. | More expensive and can be less widely available. |
| Non-GMO Project Verified Bacon | Verified non-bioengineered, from pigs fed non-GMO feed. | Features the Non-GMO Project Verified seal. | Strong, independent third-party verification for non-GE ingredients. | Costlier than conventional bacon due to certification and feed. |
| Pasture-Raised (Non-GMO Feed) | Non-bioengineered, from pigs fed non-GMO grain and forage. | Claim on label (e.g., "No GMO Feed") or website. | Direct sourcing from transparent, smaller-scale farms. | Requires more research; may not have a recognized certification seal. |
How to Verify Bacon's Bioengineered Status
For the most certain non-bioengineered bacon, your records-based approach should be as follows:
- Check the Product Label: Look for the USDA Organic seal first. If you don't find that, look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal.
- Read the Ingredient List: Pay close attention to additional ingredients in the curing process. While the meat itself may be from non-BE fed animals, any corn- or soy-derived ingredients used in the flavoring might be an issue unless certified.
- Review the Brand's Website: Visit the manufacturer's or farm's website. Reputable brands that care about non-GMO sourcing will detail their feeding practices and quality standards.
- Consider Plant-Based Options: If avoiding BE ingredients is your primary goal, plant-based bacon alternatives are a straightforward solution with many non-GMO options available.
Conclusion: Your Role as a Consumer
Determining what bacon is not bioengineered requires a proactive approach due to exemptions in federal labeling laws. While the standard BE label may not appear on conventional pork products, this does not mean the pigs were not fed bioengineered grain. Consumers who prioritize avoiding bioengineered feed must seek out voluntary, third-party certifications like the USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified seals, or purchase from small farms with transparent feeding practices. Ultimately, the decision to seek out non-bioengineered bacon rests with the consumer, and understanding the nuances of food labeling is the first step toward making a more informed and conscious choice. For more details on the USDA regulations, visit the USDA AMS website.
