How to Know if a Fruit is GMO

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Since 2022, the U.S. has mandated new labeling for bioengineered foods, providing clearer guidance for consumers. Shoppers looking for information on how to know if a fruit is GMO can now look for specific labels, interpret price look-up codes, or choose certified organic options.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines reliable methods for identifying genetically modified fruits, from deciphering official 'bioengineered' text and symbols to understanding the significance of PLU codes on produce stickers. It also explains why visual inspection and taste are not accurate indicators of genetic modification.

Key Points

Bioengineered (BE) Labels: Since 2022, the USDA requires BE labels or text on many products with genetically modified ingredients, making identification easier for consumers.
Organic Certification: The USDA Organic seal is a reliable indicator that produce is non-GMO, as organic standards prohibit genetically engineered seeds.
PLU Codes: A five-digit PLU code starting with '9' means organic, but the '8' code for GMOs is almost never used and is therefore not a reliable identifier.
Visuals are Unreliable: You cannot tell if a fruit is GMO simply by looking at its size, color, or shape, as genetic modifications are often invisible.
Common GMO Fruits: Be aware of the few fresh fruit varieties commonly sold in GMO form, including some papaya, Arctic apples, and certain summer squash.
Processed Food Challenges: In processed products, highly refined ingredients from GMO crops may be exempt from labeling, making third-party seals like Non-GMO Project Verified more valuable.

Deciphering Food Labels for GMO Identification

New labeling regulations make identifying genetically modified organisms (GMOs), also known as bioengineered (BE) foods, more straightforward. The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, in effect since 2022, requires specific labeling on many foods containing detectable GMO material. The standard uses the term 'bioengineered' for foods with genetic modifications.

The Official 'Bioengineered' Symbol

Consumers can identify bioengineered foods by looking for the USDA bioengineered symbol. This symbol, a green and yellow circle featuring a stylized plant and the letters 'BE', appears on packaged goods. Alternatively, products might use text such as 'Bioengineered food' or 'Contains a bioengineered food ingredient'. For fresh, unpackaged fruits like apples or papayas, this label may be near the price or on the display.

The Value of Certified Organic Seals

Opting for produce with a 'USDA Organic' seal is a reliable way to ensure a fruit is non-GMO. Organic standards prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds. Another trustworthy label is the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, which indicates products contain less than 0.9% genetically modified ingredients.

Using PLU Codes as a Shopping Tool

Price Look-Up (PLU) codes on produce stickers provide some information but are not definitive for GMO identification.

Four-digit codes: Indicate conventionally grown fruit. These do not specify if a fruit is GMO.
Five-digit codes starting with '9': Signify certified organic produce, which is non-GMO.
Five-digit codes starting with '8': Were intended to indicate GMO produce. However, this code is rarely used commercially, making it unreliable for identifying GMOs.

Why Visual Inspection is Unreliable

Appearance, size, or texture are not reliable indicators of whether a fruit is GMO. Genetically modified fruits often look the same as non-GMO ones, as modifications target traits like pest resistance or delayed browning. The idea that perfect-looking produce is GMO is inaccurate. Similarly, the rate of browning is not a consistent indicator. For example, Arctic Apples are engineered not to brown, but other factors also influence oxidation.

Understanding Which Fruits are Most Likely to be GMO

A few fresh fruits have commercially available genetically engineered varieties. These include:

Hawaiian Papaya: Much of Hawaii's papaya is GMO for viral resistance. Non-organic papaya from Hawaii is likely GMO.
Arctic Apples: Engineered to resist browning. Look for the BE symbol if concerned about pre-sliced non-browning apples.
Summer Squash: Some yellow and zucchini squash varieties are virus-resistant GMOs. Check for labels.

Comparison Table: Common Fruit & Identification Methods


Fruit/Produce	Common GMO Varieties	Identification Notes
Papaya	Hawaiian Papaya	Non-organic from Hawaii is likely GMO. Seek USDA Organic label for assurance.
Apples	Arctic® Apples	Engineered to resist browning. Look for 'Bioengineered' text or symbol.
Summer Squash	Some yellow & zucchini	Some varieties are virus-resistant. Check for BE or Organic labels.
Bananas	No commercial fresh GMO	No commercially available genetically engineered fresh banana varieties currently sold, though some are in development.
Strawberries	None	No fresh GMO strawberry varieties are on the market.
Pineapples	Pink Pineapples	Specialty pink pineapples are bioengineered. Standard pineapples are not.

Navigating the Processed Food Aisle

Identifying GMOs in processed foods with fruit ingredients can be harder. Many ingredients from highly processed GMO crops, like sugar or corn syrup, are exempt from BE labeling because processing removes detectable modified genetic material. In these cases, look for trusted third-party certifications like the Non-GMO Project Verified label or USDA Organic products. The Non-GMO Project's verification is generally considered stricter than the USDA standard.

Conclusion

Identifying GMO fruits requires understanding labeling and certification. Visual inspection is not effective. The most reliable methods involve looking for the USDA 'Bioengineered' symbol or text, or choosing products with 'USDA Organic' or 'Non-GMO Project Verified' seals. PLU codes are less reliable, especially the '8' code for GMOs which is rarely used. Being informed about regulations helps consumers make choices aligned with their preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not possible to identify a GMO fruit based on its taste, size, or appearance. Genetic modifications are often designed to alter invisible traits like disease resistance, not visual characteristics. Relying on observation is an unreliable method.

The most reliable method is to look for certified labels. The 'USDA Organic' seal is a guarantee that the product is non-GMO, and the 'Non-GMO Project Verified' label is a similarly trustworthy indicator.

A PLU (Price Look-Up) code can indicate how a fruit was grown. A four-digit code signifies conventional farming, while a five-digit code starting with '9' means it is organic. The five-digit '8' code for GMOs is rarely used.

While the International Federation for Produce Standards designated the '8' prefix for GMOs, this code is almost never used by retailers. Therefore, it is an unreliable method for identification.

The 'Bioengineered' or 'BE' symbol indicates that a product contains detectable genetic material that has been modified through modern biotechnology. This labeling is required by the USDA for many GMO products sold in the U.S..

Yes, some specific fresh fruits are commonly genetically modified, including most Hawaiian papaya, some varieties of Arctic Apples, and certain types of summer squash. Many other fruits, like strawberries, do not have a commercially available GMO counterpart.

For processed foods, look for the 'Bioengineered' label or the 'Non-GMO Project Verified' seal. Ingredients derived from GMO crops that are highly processed (like sugar or oils) may not require labeling, so verification seals are the best way to be sure.