How Are GMO Fruits Labeled? A Consumer's Guide to USDA Rules

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Since 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has required labels on foods that are bioengineered (BE), a term for genetically modified organisms. Navigating how are GMO fruits labeled involves recognizing this mandatory disclosure and understanding its key exemptions and optional verification programs.

Quick Summary

The USDA's mandatory bioengineered food disclosure, effective 2022, requires specific text, symbols, or digital links on GMO food packaging. Voluntary non-GMO seals and PLU codes offer additional information for consumers making purchase decisions.

Key Points

Mandatory USDA Disclosure: As of 2022, the USDA requires foods containing detectable modified genetic material to be labeled as 'Bioengineered' with text, a symbol, or a digital link.
Refined Ingredients Exemptions: Highly processed ingredients derived from bioengineered crops, like corn syrup or canola oil, are exempt from mandatory labeling if the modified DNA is undetectable.
Voluntary Non-GMO Labels: Voluntary labels like the 'Non-GMO Project Verified' butterfly offer a stricter, third-party verification for GMO avoidance, often covering ingredients not included in the USDA's mandate.
USDA Organic Equals Non-GMO: Any product with the USDA Organic seal is, by definition, produced without genetic engineering and is therefore a reliable non-GMO option.
Unreliable PLU Codes: Price Look-Up (PLU) codes starting with '8' are an unreliable indicator for GMO produce, as their use is voluntary and not consistently enforced.

Understanding the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) is a U.S. law requiring the disclosure of bioengineered (BE) foods, which went into effect on January 1, 2022. It mandates that manufacturers, importers, and retailers label foods containing detectable BE material or ingredients. The term "bioengineered" is used by the USDA, differing from the common term "GMO". The goal is to provide consistent information to consumers.

How to Identify the Bioengineered Label

The USDA allows several ways for companies to disclose bioengineered content. These include text like "Bioengineered food", a specific symbol, or digital links such as QR codes. The label should be easily visible on the packaging or near bulk items.

Important Exemptions from Mandatory Bioengineered Labeling

Certain foods are exempt from mandatory BE labeling. This includes highly refined ingredients where modified genetic material is undetectable, animal products from animals fed BE feed, food service establishments, and small manufacturers. Unintentional BE content below 5% per ingredient is also permitted without mandatory labeling.

Voluntary Non-GMO and Organic Labeling

Beyond the mandatory BE label, other certifications offer additional information about GMOs.

Non-GMO Project Verified

This third-party verification uses a butterfly logo. Products meet standards for GMO avoidance, which can be more stringent than the NBFDS.

USDA Organic

Certified organic foods are produced without genetic engineering and are therefore non-GMO. The USDA Organic standard prohibits the use of GMOs.

Navigating PLU Codes on Fresh Produce

Price Look-Up (PLU) codes on fresh produce are not a reliable source for GMO status. While codes starting with '8' were intended for GMOs, this is voluntary and rarely used; conventional codes are four digits and organic codes start with '9'. For accurate information, use official BE or Non-GMO Project labels.

Labeling Standards Comparison Table


Feature	USDA Bioengineered (BE)	Non-GMO Project Verified	USDA Organic
Requirement	Mandatory for regulated entities	Voluntary, third-party verification	Mandatory for use of "Organic" claim
Label Appearance	Circular green and yellow symbol, text, QR code, or text message info	Butterfly symbol with text "Non-GMO Project Verified"	Green and white circular seal with "USDA ORGANIC" text
Scope	Detectable bioengineered material in food intended for human consumption	Avoidance of GMOs and derivatives, with testing for high-risk ingredients	Holistic farming practices prohibiting GMOs
Refined Ingredients	Exempt if modified genetic material is undetectable	Covered and subject to review for avoidance	Prohibited if derived from GMO crops
Animal Products	Exempt if animal consumed BE feed	Includes requirements for non-GMO feed	Requires organic feed and prohibits GMOs
Testing	Not required if sourced from non-BE crops or process validated	Required for high-risk ingredients to verify compliance	Not required, but organic processes avoid GMOs

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Labeled Fruits

To identify GMO or non-GMO fruits, consumers should prioritize official labeling over PLU codes. The mandatory USDA Bioengineered label (symbol, text, or digital links) identifies BE products. For stricter non-GMO assurance, look for the voluntary Non-GMO Project Verified or USDA Organic seals. Commercially available bioengineered whole fruits are limited. More information is available on {Link: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service website https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/be}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term 'Bioengineered' (BE) is the specific term mandated by the USDA for labeling genetically modified products under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. While 'GMO' is a more common public term, the official federal standard requires the use of 'Bioengineered'.

No, the five-digit PLU code starting with '8' is an unreliable way to identify genetically modified fruits. While originally intended for this purpose, its use is voluntary and not widely enforced by manufacturers, so you cannot depend on it for accurate information.

No, foods served in restaurants and similar establishments, such as cafeterias, food trucks, and salad bars, are exempt from the USDA's mandatory bioengineered food disclosure.

No, the USDA Organic seal is a reliable assurance that a product does not contain GMOs. The organic standard explicitly prohibits the use of genetic engineering in the production of organic products.

If a digital link, like a QR code, is used for disclosure, the food's packaging will include a statement instructing you to 'Scan here for more food information.' You can scan the code with your smartphone to be taken to a webpage with the disclosure.

No, the USDA standard explicitly exempts foods derived from animals that consumed bioengineered feed.

Commercially available bioengineered fruits in the US are currently limited. The USDA maintains a list of bioengineered foods, which includes ringspot virus-resistant varieties of papaya from Hawaii and Arctic® apples, which are non-browning.