Bioengineered (BE) food, a term used by the USDA for genetically engineered (GE) food, is becoming a more common presence in the modern food supply. As a result, many consumers are seeking clarity on how to avoid these ingredients. Understanding the available labeling systems, prioritizing whole foods, and knowing which crops are at high risk are all essential steps toward making informed choices. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most effective strategies for navigating the modern food landscape.
Understanding the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) fully implemented the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS). This law requires food manufacturers to disclose the presence of bioengineered ingredients using one of four methods. Unfortunately, the standard has several loopholes and exemptions that can make identification challenging.
How to spot the BE label
Food manufacturers can choose from four distinct options to disclose bioengineered ingredients:
- Text Disclosure: A simple written statement on the package, such as “Bioengineered food” or “Contains a bioengineered food ingredient.”
- Symbol: A circular symbol with the words “BIOENGINEERED”.
- Digital Link (QR Code): A scannable QR code that directs consumers to a webpage with disclosure information. This option is criticized for creating a barrier for shoppers without smartphones or internet access.
- Text Message or Phone Number: A number that consumers can call or text to receive bioengineered food information.
Limitations of the NBFDS
The federal labeling law is not a complete solution for transparency. Some key exemptions include:
- Highly Refined Ingredients: Foods made with highly refined ingredients, such as corn oil, soybean oil, or sugar from sugar beets, do not require a BE label if the refining process removes all detectable modified genetic material. Manufacturers may voluntarily disclose these as “derived from bioengineering.”
- Animal Products: Meat, poultry, and eggs from animals that consumed bioengineered feed are exempt from the disclosure requirement. For combination products (e.g., beef soup) where a major ingredient is meat, poultry, or egg, disclosure is also prohibited, even if other ingredients are bioengineered.
- Small Manufacturers and Restaurants: Very small food manufacturers and restaurants are not required to provide disclosures.
The Most Reliable Way to Avoid Bioengineered Ingredients
Given the limitations of the federal standard, a more comprehensive approach is needed to effectively avoid bioengineered ingredients. Here are the most reliable strategies:
Prioritize USDA Organic Certification
The USDA Organic label is a highly reliable way to ensure a product is non-bioengineered. By law, products bearing this seal are not permitted to use genetically engineered ingredients or seeds. Buying USDA Certified Organic is the simplest method for avoiding bioengineered components, whether in whole foods or processed products.
Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified Seal
For many shoppers, the Non-GMO Project Verified label is the gold standard for avoiding genetically engineered foods. This is a voluntary third-party verification that employs rigorous standards to test products for GMOs. It’s important to note that the Non-GMO Project Verified seal is more comprehensive than the federal BE label, covering many exemptions and loopholes in the government's standard. The certification process inspects all ingredients, including those from highly refined crops or animal feeds.
Focus on Whole Foods
The simplest and most direct strategy is to reduce your consumption of processed foods and center your diet around whole, unprocessed items. Whole foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed meats, are less likely to contain hidden bioengineered ingredients. This approach naturally helps you avoid many of the common culprits found in packaged goods.
Strategies for Navigating the Grocery Store
Making informed choices starts with knowing what to look for at the grocery store. Here are some practical tips:
Identify high-risk ingredients and crops
Many processed foods contain ingredients derived from a handful of heavily bioengineered crops. These include:
- Corn: Cornstarch, corn oil, corn syrup (including high-fructose corn syrup), modified food starch.
- Soy: Soy flour, soy lecithin, soy protein, soybean oil.
- Canola: Canola oil.
- Sugar Beets: Granulated sugar (unless specified as “pure cane sugar” or organic).
- Cottonseed: Cottonseed oil.
- Alfalfa: Used primarily in animal feed.
- Papaya: Most papayas from Hawaii are bioengineered.
- Summer Squash & Zucchini: Certain varieties are bioengineered.
Shop the store's perimeter
Most whole, unprocessed foods like produce, meat, and dairy are located around the outer edge of a typical grocery store. This strategy helps you avoid the central aisles, where most processed and packaged foods are stocked, significantly reducing your exposure to potential bioengineered ingredients.
Support local farmers
Shopping at local farmers' markets or directly from small, local farms provides a higher degree of transparency regarding food production. Many small-scale farmers use fewer genetically modified seeds and are happy to discuss their farming practices with customers.
Comparison Table: Certification Labels
| Feature | USDA Bioengineered (BE) Label | Non-GMO Project Verified Seal | USDA Organic Seal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) | Non-profit, third-party certification | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Requirement | Mandatory disclosure for foods with detectable BE genetic material | Voluntary certification based on rigorous testing | Mandatory certification for organic foods |
| Exemptions | Many, including highly refined oils/sugars, animal products fed BE feed, restaurants | None; covers all ingredients including animal feed | Prohibits GE ingredients and prohibits use of synthetic pesticides/fertilizers |
| Coverage | Narrower definition; relies on detectable genetic material | Covers all GMOs, regardless of detectability | Holistic approach covering all aspects of production |
| Symbol | Displays the “BIOENGINEERED” symbol | Displays the butterfly logo | Displays the green and white USDA Organic seal |
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Food Choices
Avoiding bioengineered food ingredients is achievable with the right knowledge and habits. By understanding the limitations of federal disclosure, prioritizing more comprehensive certifications like USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, focusing on whole foods, and being aware of high-risk ingredients, you can make more deliberate decisions about your diet. The power to choose what you eat lies with you, and informed consumption is a right worth exercising. By supporting transparency and demanding clearer labeling, consumers can drive meaningful change in the food industry for better health and well-being. For more information, visit the Non-GMO Project website to find verified products.
