Understanding the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
In the United States, manufacturers are required to disclose bioengineered (BE) food under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS). This mandate became fully effective in January 2022 and provides consumers with standardized information, though with some key exemptions. This standard is the most direct way to know if a packaged food item contains GM ingredients with detectable modified genetic material.
The Bioengineered Symbol and Disclosure
For covered products, manufacturers must use one of several disclosure options. The most recognizable is the green, circular symbol featuring a plant and sun, accompanied by the text “bioengineered”. Alternatively, companies may use a QR code that links to an online page with the disclosure information, or a phone number that consumers can text for details. It is important to look for these indicators on the packaging, often near the ingredients list or nutrition facts panel.
Exemptions from Labeling
One of the most important aspects of the NBFDS is its list of exemptions, which can sometimes confuse consumers.
- Highly Refined Products: Refined oils (like canola or soybean oil) and sugars (from sugar beets) derived from GM crops are not required to be labeled. The reason is that the refining process removes the detectable modified genetic material from the final product. Some companies may voluntarily use the text "derived from bioengineering" for these ingredients.
- Animal Products: Meat, dairy, and eggs from animals that consumed GM feed are not required to carry a BE label. The modification does not transfer to the animal's products. In fact, if meat, poultry, or eggs are the primary ingredient in a multi-ingredient food, the product is exempt from BE labeling.
- Small Manufacturers: Very small food manufacturers are also exempt from the disclosure requirements.
Relying on Organic and Non-GMO Certifications
For consumers who wish to avoid GM foods altogether, third-party certifications are a reliable and more comprehensive alternative to the government-mandated labels.
Certified Organic: The Non-GMO Standard
The best way to avoid genetically modified food is to purchase products with the USDA Certified Organic seal. By law, certified organic foods cannot be produced using genetically modified organisms. This includes not only the main ingredients but also animal feed used in organic meat and dairy production. This seal provides peace of mind that a product is non-GMO, along with other criteria regarding pesticides and agricultural practices.
Non-GMO Project Verified
The "Non-GMO Project Verified" label is a voluntary, third-party certification that indicates a product has been tested to meet specific non-GMO standards. While it assures the absence of GMO ingredients, it does not regulate other farming practices like pesticide use, which the organic standard does. This makes it a great choice for consumers whose primary concern is avoiding GMOs.
Identifying Common Genetically Engineered Crops
Even without a label, it is helpful to know which crops are most commonly genetically engineered, especially when buying produce or less-processed ingredients. In the U.S., major GM crops include:
- Corn: Most corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified, primarily to resist insects or tolerate herbicides. This is used for cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, and animal feed.
- Soybean: A vast majority of U.S. soybeans are GM and used for soybean oil, soy lecithin, and animal feed.
- Canola: Most canola is GM and used for canola oil.
- Sugar Beet: Over half of the granulated sugar sold in the U.S. comes from GM sugar beets.
- Papaya: The 'Rainbow' papaya variety grown in Hawaii was genetically modified to resist the ringspot virus.
- Summer Squash and Zucchini: Some varieties are GM to resist plant viruses, though they are not as common.
- Potatoes and Apples: Certain varieties have been developed to resist bruising and browning.
- Pink Pineapple: A specific GM pineapple variety has pink flesh due to increased lycopene levels.
- Salmon: The AquAdvantage Salmon is a genetically engineered Atlantic salmon approved for sale in the U.S..
Comparison of Labeling Standards for Consumers
| Feature | USDA Bioengineered (BE) Label | USDA Certified Organic Seal | Non-GMO Project Verified Seal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | Mandatory for foods with detectable BE material, with exemptions. | Mandatory for organic products, with strict standards. | Voluntary, third-party certification. |
| Scope | Detectable bioengineered DNA in finished product. | Prohibits GMOs, synthetic pesticides, certain fertilizers, and antibiotics. | Verified absence of GMOs down to a certain threshold. |
| Highly Refined Ingredients | Exempt (no detectable DNA). | Not permitted, as they originate from GM crops. | Must meet verification standards; often requires a specific 'derived from' label. |
| Animal Products from GM Feed | Exempt. | Prohibited; animal feed must be certified organic. | Excludes animal products from non-GMO animal feed. |
| Clarity | Can be unclear due to exemptions for highly refined ingredients and animal products. | Clear and comprehensive; no GMOs permitted. | Straightforward and focused on GMO avoidance. |
Making Informed Choices to Avoid GMOs
To confidently avoid genetically modified foods, a multi-pronged approach is most effective.
- Prioritize Certified Organic: When possible, choose products with the USDA Certified Organic seal. This provides the most assurance that no GMOs were used in the production process, from the farm to your plate.
- Look for Voluntary Labels: For products that are not organic but claim to be non-GMO, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal is a reliable indicator that the product's ingredients have been screened for genetically modified material.
- Check the BE Disclosure: Familiarize yourself with the USDA's "bioengineered" symbol or digital link. This will inform you when a product contains detectable GM material, although it won't cover every instance.
- Be Mindful of Exemptions: Remember that the BE label is not on highly refined ingredients like canola oil or cornstarch, even if sourced from GM crops. Animal products derived from animals fed GM crops are also exempt.
- Know the Common Crops: By being aware of the most commonly grown GM crops, you can be more discerning, especially when buying non-packaged items. If you see corn, soy, canola, or sugar beets, a good rule of thumb is to assume they are GM unless certified otherwise.
Conclusion
Identifying whether you are eating genetically modified food requires a combination of label awareness and knowledge of common agricultural practices. While the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard offers a mandatory indicator for some products, its exemptions mean it doesn't provide a complete picture. For comprehensive avoidance, relying on the USDA Certified Organic seal is the most robust method, as it prohibits GMOs entirely. Other voluntary labels, like the Non-GMO Project Verified, can also serve as a useful tool. By combining a careful reading of product labels with an understanding of which crops are most likely to be genetically engineered, consumers can make more informed choices about their food. For a definitive list of foods covered by the standard, refer to the USDA's list of bioengineered foods.
