Navigating the modern grocery store aisle can feel overwhelming, with an array of labels and claims vying for your attention. For consumers seeking to identify genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their food, understanding the different labeling standards is crucial. This guide will break down the mandatory and voluntary labeling programs, highlight their limitations, and provide practical tips for making informed purchasing decisions.
The Mandatory USDA Bioengineered (BE) Food Disclosure
The USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), effective since January 1, 2022, requires disclosure on covered retail foods containing detectable bioengineered material. However, this standard includes important exemptions.
How to spot the BE label
Disclosure can be in one of four formats: text ('Bioengineered food'), a circular symbol, a scannable electronic link with text, or a text message instruction.
Significant exemptions to the BE standard
Key exemptions mean not all GMO-containing products are labeled. These include highly refined ingredients where modified genetic material is undetectable in the final product (though voluntary labeling is possible), products from animals fed GMO feed, food served in restaurants, and food from small manufacturers.
Voluntary Certifications for GMO Avoidance
Voluntary third-party certifications offer stricter standards for consumers aiming for greater GMO avoidance.
The Non-GMO Project Verified Seal
Recognized by its butterfly logo, the Non-GMO Project Verified seal is a leading North American standard. It uses ongoing testing, traceability, and segregation practices, covering high-risk refined ingredients and requiring animal feed to meet avoidance standards.
The USDA Organic Seal
USDA Organic certification legally prohibits the use of genetic engineering. The verification process ensures farmers and processors avoid GMOs and prevent contamination. Trace, unavoidable GMO presence isn't automatically a violation if precautions were taken and investigated.
What to Look For: A Comparison of Labels
To help you decide which labels best align with your personal preferences, here's a comparison of the primary labeling systems.
| Feature | USDA Bioengineered (BE) | Non-GMO Project Verified | USDA Organic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory/Voluntary | Mandatory (for applicable foods) | Voluntary, third-party certification | Voluntary, but mandatory for any product claiming to be organic |
| Detectability | Applies only if modified DNA is detectable in the final product. | Includes testing at critical points to ensure avoidance, regardless of detectability in final product. | Prohibits all GMOs, including those undetectable in the final product. |
| Refined Ingredients (e.g., oils, sugar) | Exempt if modified DNA is undetectable. | Addresses high-risk ingredients, including refined products. | Prohibited if derived from GMOs. |
| Animal-Derived Products | Exempt (not labeled for animal feed). | Feed and other animal inputs must comply with the standard. | Prohibited (feed and care must be organic). |
| Scope | U.S. federal standard for genetically engineered foods. | North America's most trusted standard for GMO avoidance. | A comprehensive standard covering GMOs, pesticides, hormones, and more. |
Practical Tips for Identifying GMOs at the Store
A multi-pronged approach is most effective given the nuances of labeling.
Check for certification seals
Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly seal for robust avoidance or the USDA Organic seal, which prohibits GMOs.
Be aware of high-risk ingredients and products
Assume ingredients from major GMO crops like corn, soy, canola, and sugar beets contain GMOs unless labeled otherwise. Be cautious with unlabeled refined oils and sugar from these sources.
Understand the produce stickers
PLU stickers on fresh produce can offer clues. A 4-digit code is conventional. A 5-digit code starting with '9' is organic. A 5-digit code starting with '8' indicates GMO, but is rarely used.
Why Reading the Label Is Key
You cannot identify GMOs by appearance, size, or taste. Reliable identification comes only from labels and verification processes.
Conclusion
In the U.S., identifying GMO products requires looking beyond the mandatory USDA 'Bioengineered' label due to its exemptions for refined ingredients and animal products. Voluntary certifications like the Non-GMO Project Verified seal or USDA Organic label offer more comprehensive assurance of GMO avoidance. Combining label awareness with knowledge of high-risk ingredients helps consumers make informed choices.
Common High-Risk GMO Crops
- Corn: Found in cornstarch, syrup, oils, and feed.
- Soybeans: Used for oil, lecithin, and animal feed.
- Canola: Primarily used for canola oil.
- Sugar Beets: A major source of granulated sugar.
- Papaya: The virus-resistant 'Rainbow' variety is common.
- Summer Squash: Some virus-resistant types exist.
- Cottonseed: Used for cottonseed oil.
- Potatoes: Certain varieties resist bruising/browning.
- Alfalfa: Used as livestock feed.
- Apples: Non-browning varieties like Arctic™ are available.
