Understanding the US National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
In the United States, the USDA established the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), with mandatory compliance starting in January 2022. This standard requires manufacturers, importers, and retailers to disclose if a food contains bioengineered (BE) ingredients. Notably, the regulation uses the term “bioengineered” rather than the more common acronym “GMO” or “genetically modified,” which has led to some confusion among consumers.
There are several approved ways a company can make this disclosure on packaging:
- A text disclosure reading: “Bioengineered food” or “Contains a bioengineered food ingredient”.
- A symbol designed by the USDA, which is a circular green and yellow logo with the word “Bioengineered”.
- An electronic or digital link, like a QR code, that directs customers to a website with more information.
- A text message disclosure that provides the information to a consumer's mobile device.
Exemptions and Limitations to the US Standard
While the NBFDS provides a framework for disclosure, it is not without its limitations and exemptions. For example, the regulation does not require labeling for foods that contain no detectable modified genetic material, even if they are derived from bioengineered crops. This means highly refined ingredients like canola oil, soybean oil, or sugar from sugar beets may be exempt from disclosure.
Furthermore, the standard exempts food served in restaurants and very small food manufacturers. It also allows for an unintentional or technically unavoidable presence of bioengineered material up to 5% per ingredient, which is a higher threshold than in some other countries. Foods from animals that consume bioengineered feed are also not required to be labeled under this standard.
The Role of Voluntary Non-GMO Labeling
Due to the perceived shortcomings and limited scope of the mandatory US bioengineered labeling law, many companies choose to use voluntary certifications to appeal to consumers who want to avoid GMOs altogether. The most prominent of these is the Non-GMO Project Verified label.
Non-GMO Project Verified Label
- Appearance: A widely recognized, third-party certification label featuring a monarch butterfly over a checked symbol.
- Criteria: The verification process is a rigorous, independent, third-party assessment that confirms products are compliant with the Non-GMO Project Standard. This includes testing of ingredients and traceability to ensure no genetically engineered inputs were used.
- Benefit: It provides a more comprehensive assurance for consumers who want to avoid all genetically engineered content, including those highly refined products that are exempt from the mandatory bioengineered law.
International GMO Labeling Standards
Labeling requirements for genetically modified foods differ dramatically around the world, reflecting varied consumer concerns and regulatory approaches. The following table compares the labeling regulations in different regions.
| Feature | United States (USDA NBFDS) | European Union (EU) | Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminology | "Bioengineered" (BE) or BE symbol | "Genetically modified" (GM) or GM symbol | "Genetically modified" (GM) |
| Mandatory for… | Retail food with detectable modified DNA | Any food with >0.9% approved GM material | Food with GM novel DNA or protein |
| Exempts Highly Refined Products? | Yes, if modified DNA is not detectable | No, products derived from GM sources must be labeled | No, products with altered characteristics must be labeled |
| Threshold for Unintentional Presence | Up to 5% per ingredient | 0.9% per ingredient | 1% per ingredient |
| Voluntary Claims | "Non-GMO" claims are allowed for certified products | "GM-free" claims are available if not misleading | "GM free" or "Non-GM" claims are subject to consumer protection legislation |
The Verdict: How to Navigate Food Labels for GMOs
So, is there a label on food for GMOs? The definitive answer is yes, but it's not always simple or straightforward. Consumers must be aware of the specific labeling laws in their country and understand the differences between mandatory and voluntary disclosures.
For those in the US, the mandatory USDA Bioengineered symbol or text on products is the required disclosure for certain food types. However, it is essential to remember that this standard does not cover refined ingredients where the modified DNA is no longer detectable, nor does it apply to meat or dairy from animals fed bioengineered crops. For consumers who want to be certain about avoiding all forms of genetically engineered content, looking for the independent, third-party verified Non-GMO Project Verified label is the most reliable method. These voluntary certifications enforce stricter standards, including the evaluation of refined products and animal inputs.
Ultimately, consumer choice depends on personal preferences and understanding the nuances of the various labels and exemptions. The existence of these different labeling schemes highlights the ongoing global conversation about how best to inform the public about the origins and composition of their food.
Conclusion
The question of whether a label exists for GMOs is more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no.' In the United States, a mandatory disclosure standard uses the term 'bioengineered' for foods with detectable modified genetic material. However, this federal law has exemptions for many common ingredients and certain manufacturers, leading many concerned consumers to rely on stricter, voluntary third-party labels like the Non-GMO Project Verified butterfly. Internationally, regulations vary widely, with the EU and Australia/New Zealand employing different terminology and thresholds. The complexity of these rules means that informed consumer decisions require an understanding of both the mandatory standards and the options provided by voluntary certifications, especially given the differing definitions and exemptions across jurisdictions. The patchwork of global labeling rules underscores the need for consumers to familiarize themselves with the standards applicable in their own region to effectively manage their purchasing choices.
