How do I avoid bioengineered ingredients? Your Guide to Informed Food Choices

Since January 2022, the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires manufacturers to disclose bioengineered ingredients. This guide provides the tools to understand food labels, identify certifications, and navigate exemptions to avoid bioengineered ingredients.

Quick Summary

This guide helps consumers identify and avoid bioengineered ingredients by decoding food labels, recognizing key certifications, and understanding relevant exemptions.

Key Points

• Decode USDA Labels: The official 'BIOENGINEERED' symbol or text disclosure identifies products containing modified genetic material.

• Trust Certifications: Rely on USDA Certified Organic, which strictly prohibits BE ingredients, or Non-GMO Project Verified, which provides rigorous testing standards.

• Know the Exemptions: Highly refined oils, sugars, and most animal products from animals fed BE feed are not required to be labeled.

• Prioritize Whole Foods: Choosing fresh, unprocessed foods and cooking from scratch is an effective way to minimize exposure.

• Support Local Growers: Engage with farmers at local markets for direct information on their planting practices and ingredient sourcing.

• Identify High-Risk Ingredients: Be vigilant for common BE crops and their derivatives, like corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets, in processed foods.

Understanding Bioengineered Food Labeling

On January 1, 2022, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) came into effect in the United States, requiring food manufacturers, importers, and retailers to disclose bioengineered (BE) food ingredients. This mandate uses the term 'bioengineered,' not 'GMO' or 'genetically modified,' and offers several disclosure options. Being an informed shopper requires you to recognize each of these methods to confidently avoid bioengineered ingredients.

The most direct disclosure is a written statement near the ingredient list, such as "Bioengineered Food" or "Contains a Bioengineered Food Ingredient". Another option is the official USDA BE symbol: a circular green and white label with the word "BIOENGINEERED". Some manufacturers opt for less direct methods, including a QR code, website address, or phone number that provides the required disclosure online or via text message. For very small food manufacturers or those with very small packaging, different allowances apply. For the most clarity, always prioritize products with the on-package text or symbol.

The Labeling Loopholes to Know

Even with mandatory labeling, there are significant exemptions that can make it challenging to completely avoid BE ingredients. Highly refined oils and sugars, derived from bioengineered crops like corn, canola, and sugar beets, are not required to be labeled if their modified genetic material is undetectable in the final product. Similarly, products derived from animals that have consumed bioengineered feed (e.g., milk, meat, and eggs) are exempt from BE labeling. The standard also does not apply to foods served in restaurants or similar establishments. Understanding these loopholes is critical for effective avoidance.

Certification is Key: USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified

For consumers determined to avoid bioengineered ingredients, focusing on third-party certifications is the most reliable strategy. The two most prominent are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, each offering different standards and levels of assurance.

USDA Certified Organic

Organic certification prohibits the use of bioengineered seeds, crops, or ingredients, making it a reliable way to avoid BE foods. There are different levels of organic labeling to be aware of:

• 100% Organic: Made with 100% organic ingredients and no bioengineered materials.
• Organic: Contains at least 95% organic ingredients, with strict rules for the remaining 5%. No bioengineered ingredients are allowed.
• Made with organic ingredients: Contains at least 70% organic ingredients. Bioengineered ingredients are still prohibited, but the lower organic content means cross-contamination risk or non-organic-approved additives may be present.

Non-GMO Project Verified

The Non-GMO Project is a voluntary, non-profit verification program with rigorous standards for avoiding genetically modified organisms. The certification focuses specifically on GMO avoidance, including new genetic techniques. Unlike the USDA Organic program, it requires testing of high-risk ingredients to ensure compliance.

Comparison of Verification Programs

To help you decide which label best meets your needs, here is a comparison of the USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified standards.

Feature	USDA Certified Organic	Non-GMO Project Verified
Scope	Comprehensive agricultural standard covering soil quality, animal welfare, and pest control. Prohibits BE ingredients as one part of the standard.	Single-issue standard focused exclusively on GMO avoidance.
Mandatory/Voluntary	Voluntary, but federally regulated. Farmers and manufacturers must adhere to USDA standards to use the label.	Strictly voluntary. A non-profit organization manages the verification process.
Testing	Does not require mandatory testing for GMOs, relying on audits and paperwork to confirm no 'excluded methods' were used.	Requires testing of major, testable high-risk ingredients. Requires legally binding affidavits for untestable ingredients.
Refined Ingredients	Prohibits BE-derived refined ingredients as part of the overall organic ban on BE materials.	Prohibits BE-derived refined ingredients and requires testing if detectable.
Cattle/Poultry Feed	Requires that livestock are fed 100% organic feed, which by definition is non-GMO.	Requires that livestock are non-GMO and fed non-GMO or organic feed.
Cost	Can be more expensive for small producers due to comprehensive nature.	Can be a more accessible certification for small brands focused solely on GMO avoidance.

Beyond the Labels: Additional Tips for Avoiding Bioengineered Ingredients

Labels and certifications are powerful tools, but for the most comprehensive avoidance, you can adopt additional strategies.

Prioritize Whole Foods and Fresh Produce

Processed foods are the most likely to contain bioengineered derivatives, such as corn syrup, soy lecithin, or canola oil. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, you naturally reduce your exposure. Most fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in the produce section are non-bioengineered. A few exceptions, such as some varieties of corn, papaya from Hawaii, and summer squash, are important to be aware of. For these, look for organic or Non-GMO Project Verified options.

Shop Locally and Support Farmers' Markets

Many small, local farmers and artisan vendors grow their food without genetically modified seeds, but cannot afford the costly federal certification process. Shopping at farmers' markets allows you to talk directly with the growers about their farming practices and seed sourcing. This offers a level of transparency that package labels cannot match.

Identify High-Risk Ingredients and Common Bioengineered Crops

Educate yourself on which ingredients are most likely to be bioengineered. In the U.S., major bioengineered crops include corn (except popcorn), soy, canola, sugar beets, and alfalfa. Many packaged and processed foods contain derivatives of these crops, so vigilance with ingredient lists is key. To avoid these, specifically look for ingredients that clarify their source, such as "cane sugar" instead of just "sugar".

Conclusion

Avoiding bioengineered ingredients is a multi-step process that involves more than just glancing at a label. By understanding the official USDA disclosure methods, recognizing the exemptions that allow many BE-derived products to go unlabeled, and actively seeking out certifications like USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, you can take control of your food choices. Supplementing this knowledge with a focus on whole foods and local sourcing provides the most reliable path to a diet free of bioengineered ingredients. Informed consumerism is the most powerful tool for shaping the food system, and understanding these markers is the first step.

For more information on the Non-GMO Project's standards and testing, visit their website for detailed documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "bioengineered" and "GMO"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "bioengineered" is the specific term mandated by the USDA for labeling purposes under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. The term "GMO" is more general and not regulated by the federal labeling standard.

Are products from animals fed bioengineered feed required to be labeled?

No. The USDA National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard does not require labeling for products like milk, cheese, eggs, or meat from animals that have consumed feed made from bioengineered crops.

Does "USDA Certified Organic" mean a product is non-bioengineered?

Yes. By law, organic food cannot be produced from bioengineered seeds, plants, or animals. The organic label serves as a reliable assurance that the product is free of BE ingredients.

How can I spot a bioengineered ingredient in processed food?

In processed foods, look for the official USDA "BIOENGINEERED" label, a text disclosure, or a QR code. Be aware that highly refined oils and sugars derived from BE crops may not be labeled if no detectable modified DNA remains.

Can I trust the "Non-GMO Project Verified" label?

Yes. The Non-GMO Project is a voluntary certification with rigorous standards and required testing of high-risk ingredients. It provides a strong assurance that the ingredients meet its non-GMO criteria.

Are there any bioengineered fruits or vegetables in the produce section?

Yes, but they are limited. Common BE crops include some varieties of corn, Hawaiian papaya, and certain summer squash. When in doubt, opt for organic versions or products with the Non-GMO Project Verified label.

What is the most effective way to completely avoid bioengineered ingredients?

The most comprehensive approach involves a combination of strategies: prioritizing USDA Certified Organic products, choosing whole foods over processed ones, shopping at local farmers' markets, and actively checking for the Non-GMO Project Verified label.