Is Modified Maize Labeled in Stores?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, mandatory labeling for bioengineered foods began in the U.S. in 2022, but not all modified maize is labeled. Understanding whether modified maize is labeled in stores depends heavily on the country's specific regulations and the final product's composition.

Quick Summary

Labeling requirements for modified maize vary significantly by country. The U.S. uses the term 'bioengineered' for specific foods, while the E.U. and other nations have different thresholds and terminology for genetically modified ingredients. Highly processed derivatives and certain animal feeds are often exempt from mandatory labeling.

Key Points

U.S. vs. E.U. Labeling: The U.S. uses the term 'Bioengineered' (BE) with key exemptions, while the E.U. uses 'Genetically Modified' (GM) with a more comprehensive, process-based approach for foods over a 0.9% threshold.
Refined Ingredient Exemption: In the U.S., highly refined corn products like corn oil and starch derived from modified maize are not required to be labeled if the genetic material is undetectable.
Non-GMO Project Verified: The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is a reliable, voluntary label indicating that a product has met strict non-GMO standards.
Look for the BE Symbol: Consumers in the U.S. should check for the official "Bioengineered" symbol or text on product packaging to identify modified maize.
Read Ingredient Labels Carefully: Familiarize yourself with corn-derived ingredients like corn starch and syrup, as they may come from modified maize, especially in the U.S. where exemptions apply.
Opt for Organic: Products with the USDA Organic seal are produced without genetic engineering and are a definitive way to avoid modified maize.
Check International Regulations: Labeling rules vary dramatically worldwide, so always verify the local regulations for countries like China, Australia, or those in the E.U..

Understanding Modified Maize Labeling

Consumer awareness about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has led to increased interest in how these products are labeled in stores. However, the labeling of modified maize, or corn, is far from uniform and depends on complex regulations that differ significantly across countries and even within regions. The rules are influenced by how the genetic modification is expressed in the final food product, the percentage of modified material, and whether the maize is sold directly or as an ingredient.

The U.S. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

In the United States, the term "bioengineered" (BE) is the legally mandated term for foods subject to labeling, replacing the more commonly known "GMO". The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) requires food manufacturers, importers, and retailers to disclose if a food is bioengineered. This disclosure can be made in several ways:

Written Text: On the ingredient panel, stating "bioengineered food" or "contains a bioengineered food ingredient".
Symbol: A standardized symbol with the text "BIOENGINEERED".
Digital Link: A scannable QR code that directs consumers to a website with disclosure information.

Crucially, there are significant exemptions to this rule. Highly refined ingredients derived from bioengineered crops, like corn starch or corn syrup, are not required to be labeled if the refining process removes all detectable genetic material. This means a consumer might purchase a product with a corn-derived ingredient from modified maize without any label disclosure. Additionally, food from animals that consumed bioengineered feed is also exempt.

European Union and Other International Approaches

In contrast to the U.S., many countries and regions, including the European Union, have more stringent and mandatory labeling requirements.

European Union: EU regulations require labeling for any food product that contains or consists of GMOs, provided the modified ingredient constitutes more than 0.9% of the food. Unlike the U.S., this rule applies regardless of whether detectable genetic material remains in the final product, meaning highly refined oils and starches from GM maize must be labeled.
Australia and New Zealand: These countries have a 1% threshold for GM material, but also require labeling for GM ingredients with "significantly altered characteristics". Exemptions include food sold in restaurants and highly refined products where GM material is not detectable.
China: China has specific regulations requiring labeling for several categories of GM crops and their products, including corn.

The Difference Between Modified Maize and Modified Maize Starch

It is important for consumers to differentiate between whole modified maize products and highly processed derivatives like modified maize starch. The labeling status changes drastically depending on the ingredient's form and how it was processed.


Comparison: Labeling of Modified Maize and its Derivatives	Feature	Whole Modified Maize (e.g., sweet corn)	Modified Maize Starch / Syrup	Meat/Dairy from GM-fed animals
U.S. Mandatory Labeling?	Yes, if detectable BE material is present	No, if no detectable BE material remains after refining	No
E.U. Mandatory Labeling?	Yes, if over 0.9% content	Yes, if derived from GM maize	No
Label Term in U.S.	Bioengineered (BE)	Derived from Bioengineering (Voluntary)	Exempt
Label Term in E.U.	Genetically Modified	Produced from genetically modified [maize]	Exempt

Practical Guide for Consumers

For consumers looking to identify or avoid modified maize, navigating the store can be challenging. Here are some actionable steps:

Look for Specific Labels: In the U.S., check for the "BIOENGINEERED" symbol or text. The Non-GMO Project Verified seal is a reliable, voluntary label indicating the product has been verified as non-GMO.
Choose Organic: Products certified USDA Organic are, by definition, produced without genetic engineering.
Read Ingredient Lists: Become familiar with common corn-derived ingredients like corn starch, corn oil, and high-fructose corn syrup. If the product lacks a specific non-GMO or organic label, it may contain modified ingredients, especially in the U.S. due to the highly refined exemption.
Buy Local: Shopping at local farmers' markets may reduce exposure, though it does not guarantee the absence of modified crops. It can, however, provide an opportunity to speak directly with the grower.

The Role of Traceability

Traceability systems are crucial for enforcing labeling laws, especially in regions with mandatory regulations like the E.U.. These systems require documentation throughout the supply chain, allowing authorities to track the origin of ingredients. Without a robust traceability system, labeling regulations can be difficult to enforce consistently. For example, studies have shown that despite mandatory labeling in some regions, a lack of enforcement or specific exemptions can still result in minimal consumer choice for non-GM products.

Conclusion

Whether modified maize is labeled in stores depends on complex, country-specific regulations. In the U.S., the NBFDS requires a "Bioengineered" disclosure, but important exemptions exist for highly refined ingredients and animal feed. Conversely, the E.U. mandates labeling for processed food products with a GM ingredient threshold of over 0.9%, regardless of whether detectable genetic material remains. For consumers, looking for specific labels like "Non-GMO Project Verified" or opting for USDA Organic products remains the clearest path to identifying or avoiding modified maize in its various forms. Ultimately, a critical reading of food labels and an understanding of regional laws are essential for making informed purchasing decisions.

Learn more about the USDA's Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Under the U.S. National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, modified maize must be labeled if it contains detectable bioengineered material. However, highly refined products like corn oil, cornstarch, or corn syrup derived from modified maize are exempt if the genetic material is no longer detectable.

In the U.S., 'Bioengineered' (BE) is the official term mandated by the USDA for labeling genetically modified products. While 'GMO' is widely recognized, companies are required to use the term 'Bioengineered' for disclosure.

For absolute certainty, look for products with the USDA Organic seal or the Non-GMO Project Verified label. Both certifications guarantee that the product, and its ingredients, were not produced using genetic engineering.

In the U.S., restaurants and other foodservice establishments are exempt from the mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard. They may voluntarily disclose the information, but it is not required.

In the U.S., products like meat, eggs, and dairy from animals that consumed bioengineered feed do not have to be labeled. Regulations in other regions, like the E.U., also exempt these products from GM labeling.

The refining process for ingredients like corn starch and syrup removes the genetic material of the maize. Since the BE Standard only requires disclosure if detectable genetic material is present, these highly processed ingredients are exempt.

In the E.U., a threshold of 0.9% is set for technically unavoidable GM presence in an ingredient, below which labeling is not required. The U.S. has a similar, though higher, threshold for approved BE foods.