How can you tell if food is GMO?

Genetically modified crops have been in the food supply since the 1990s, yet a 2018 study found that a significant number of consumers still lack confidence in their ability to identify GMO products. Learning how can you tell if food is GMO involves understanding the various mandatory and voluntary labeling practices used today.

Quick Summary

Identifying GMO foods involves checking product labels for specific disclosures, looking for third-party certifications like the Non-GMO Project seal, and being aware of common high-risk ingredients derived from crops such as soy, corn, and canola. Certain government mandates, like the USDA's bioengineered food standard, dictate how and when disclosures are required.

Key Points

• Check Labels for Disclosure: In the U.S., look for the circular USDA 'Bioengineered' symbol or a written statement disclosing bioengineered ingredients.

• Look for Third-Party Seals: The Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly seal is a reliable indicator of products containing less than 0.9% genetically modified material.

• Go for Certified Organic: All products bearing the USDA 'Certified Organic' seal are legally prohibited from containing GMOs.

• Identify Common GMO Crops: Be aware that ingredients like soy, corn, canola, and sugar from sugar beets are commonly bioengineered unless otherwise labeled.

• Understand Labeling Exemptions: Some highly refined ingredients (like soy oil) and animal products from animals fed bioengineered feed are exempt from mandatory disclosure.

For many years, discerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food was a challenging task for consumers. With evolving regulations and increasing transparency, there are now more ways to identify these products. While it’s impossible to tell by appearance alone, a combination of label awareness, knowledge of common GMO crops, and an understanding of certification logos can help you determine the origin of your food.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard in the U.S.

In the United States, the most significant change in GMO labeling came with the implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard in 2022. This law, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), requires food manufacturers, importers, and retailers to disclose if a food contains bioengineered ingredients. The term "bioengineered" (BE) is used instead of GMO, which has been a point of confusion for some consumers.

Here's what to look for on a product's packaging:

• The USDA BE symbol: A circular green symbol with a sprouting leaf, containing the text "Bioengineered".
• Textual disclosure: A written statement, such as "Contains a bioengineered food ingredient," is often found near the ingredient list.
• Electronic or digital links: In some cases, a QR code or web address may be provided, which, when scanned, links to a website with disclosure information.

It is important to note that this standard has some limitations. Highly refined ingredients derived from bioengineered crops—such as corn syrup, soy oil, or sugar from sugar beets—may not require disclosure if the modified genetic material is no longer detectable in the final product. Additionally, products containing meat, poultry, or eggs as the first ingredient are exempt, even if other bioengineered ingredients are present.

Third-Party Certifications and Organic Status

For consumers seeking higher standards of verification, looking beyond the mandatory bioengineered label is essential. Voluntary third-party certifications offer another layer of assurance.

Non-GMO Project Verification

The Non-GMO Project Verified label, easily recognized by its butterfly logo, is one of the most widely used and respected non-GMO certifications. To earn this seal, products must undergo a rigorous verification process, including ingredient testing, to ensure that they contain less than a specific threshold of genetically modified material. This voluntary standard is often more stringent than mandatory government requirements and applies to many products that fall into labeling exemptions.

Certified Organic

For those who want to avoid GMOs, opting for USDA Certified Organic products is a reliable strategy. The USDA's organic standards legally prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms in the production of food. This provides a straightforward way for consumers to select products that are verifiably non-GMO. However, it is crucial to look for the "Certified Organic" or "100% Organic" seals, as products simply labeled "Organic" may have different standards.

The Role of Awareness in Identifying GMOs

While labels are a crucial tool, a consumer's best defense is an understanding of which crops are most commonly genetically modified. This allows for informed choices even when label disclosure is absent due to loopholes or exemptions. Here are some of the most prevalent GMO crops in the U.S. food supply:

• Soybeans: The majority of soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically engineered for herbicide tolerance.
• Corn: Much of the corn used for corn oil, high-fructose corn syrup, and other processed foods is bioengineered.
• Canola: Most canola oil is derived from genetically modified canola plants.
• Sugar Beets: Around 99% of the U.S. sugar beet crop is genetically modified for herbicide resistance.
• Papaya: Certain papaya varieties, particularly those from Hawaii, are genetically engineered to be virus-resistant.
• Potatoes and Apples: Certain genetically engineered varieties are designed to resist bruising, but they are not as widespread as the other crops.

Comparison of GMO Labeling Schemes

Feature	Mandatory Bioengineered Label (U.S.)	Non-GMO Project Verified Label	USDA Certified Organic Label
Regulation Type	Mandatory for qualifying products	Voluntary third-party verification	Federally regulated standard
Logo	USDA Bioengineered symbol	Butterfly with "Non-GMO Project Verified"	USDA Certified Organic seal
Standard	Detectable bioengineered DNA	Verified non-GMO status (<0.9%)	Legally prohibits GMOs
Covers Refined Ingredients?	Often exempted if modified DNA is undetectable	Yes, covers refined ingredients	Yes, prohibits GMOs throughout production
Covers Animal Feed?	No, does not cover animal products from GE feed	Yes, covers non-GMO feed standards	Yes, animal feed must be non-GMO
Cost to Manufacturer	Minimal, just labeling compliance	Fee for verification and auditing	Fee for certification and compliance

How to Apply Your Knowledge

To effectively tell if food is GMO, follow a multi-step approach at the grocery store. First, look for the Certified Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified logos, as these are the most direct indicators. If a product lacks these seals, look for the mandatory USDA "Bioengineered" symbol or text. For products that fall under exemptions, such as refined ingredients, assume they are likely bioengineered unless a voluntary non-GMO label indicates otherwise. Always check the ingredient list for common high-risk items like corn, soy, canola, and sugar derived from beets.

Conclusion

Understanding how can you tell if food is GMO is more attainable for consumers now than ever before due to federal mandates and private certifications. While mandatory disclosures like the USDA's bioengineered label provide a baseline, they come with exemptions for highly processed products and those from animals fed bioengineered feed. For the most comprehensive assurance, consumers should seek out voluntary labels like the Non-GMO Project Verified seal or the USDA Certified Organic certification, which maintain stricter standards and cover a broader range of product types. By combining label reading with a critical awareness of which ingredients are most likely to be genetically modified, you can confidently navigate the supermarket and make choices that align with your dietary preferences.

Recommended Further Reading

• USDA National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visually identify if a food is GMO?

No, it is impossible to visually determine if a food is genetically modified. The only way to know is by checking for specific labels, logos, or certifications on the product packaging.

What is the difference between 'GMO' and 'Bioengineered'?

The term 'bioengineered' (BE) is the official term used by the USDA for its mandatory labeling standard in the United States. 'GMO' (genetically modified organism) is a more commonly known but less specific term for the same concept.

Does a 'Natural' label mean the food is non-GMO?

No, the term 'natural' is not regulated by the FDA and has no standardized definition regarding GMO content. A 'natural' label offers no guarantee that a product is free of GMOs.

Are products from animals fed with GMO feed labeled as bioengineered?

No, in the U.S., products like meat, milk, and eggs from animals that have been fed bioengineered feed are exempt from the mandatory BE labeling requirements.

Do all countries have the same GMO labeling laws?

No, GMO labeling laws vary significantly by country. Many countries have mandatory labeling, but thresholds and specific requirements can differ greatly. For example, the European Union has different rules than the United States.

How can I find non-GMO alternatives?

To find non-GMO foods, look for products with the USDA Certified Organic seal or the Non-GMO Project Verified logo. These certifications verify that the product has been produced without genetically engineered ingredients.

Are products containing highly refined oils from GMO crops required to be labeled?

In the U.S., highly refined products like corn oil or soy oil are often exempt from the mandatory bioengineered label because the genetic material is removed during processing and is no longer detectable in the final product.