Navigating Mandatory Disclosure: The Bioengineered Label
In the United States, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires manufacturers to disclose if foods are bioengineered (BE) or contain bioengineered ingredients. This rule, which became mandatory in January 2022, introduced several labeling options for companies to use, but understanding them is key for consumers. The most direct method is to look for a round symbol on the package featuring the term “bioengineered”. Alternatively, manufacturers may use a text-based disclosure, such as “Contains a bioengineered food ingredient,” on the packaging. For some products, a scannable QR code, phone number, or website is provided for more information, though this method is less accessible for some shoppers.
Exemptions and Loopholes
It is important to note that the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard has several key exemptions. One of the most significant is for highly refined foods. Ingredients like corn syrup, soybean oil, and sugar derived from sugar beets lose their modified genetic material during processing, making it undetectable by current testing methods. As a result, products containing these common ingredients may not be required to carry a BE label. Animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed GMO grain, are also exempt from this labeling requirement, which further complicates the process for consumers.
Understanding Voluntary Third-Party Certifications
Since the mandatory Bioengineered label has limitations, many consumers rely on voluntary third-party certifications for more comprehensive assurance. These labels often have stricter standards and cover areas that the federal standard misses.
The Non-GMO Project Verified Seal
One of the most widely recognized labels is the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, which features a distinctive monarch butterfly. This third-party verification confirms that a product has been produced in compliance with the Non-GMO Project's rigorous standards for avoiding GMOs. Unlike the federal BE label, the Non-GMO Project's standard requires ongoing testing of high-risk ingredients and addresses the potential for contamination in the supply chain. It also covers products like meat, eggs, and dairy, by verifying that the animal feed used is also non-GMO.
The USDA Certified Organic Seal
For a holistic approach, the USDA Certified Organic seal is a reliable indicator that a product is non-GMO. By law, the use of genetically modified organisms is strictly prohibited in organic products. This rule applies to all organic label categories, including those that are “100% Organic,” “Organic,” and “Made with Organic”. Organic certification also extends beyond GMOs, encompassing standards for soil health, pest management, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals, making it a comprehensive choice for many shoppers.
Key Ingredients to Watch For
Even with labels, being aware of the most common GMO crops and their derived ingredients is a practical shopping strategy. Some of the most prevalent GMO ingredients include:
- Soy-based ingredients: Soy flour, soy lecithin, soy protein isolates, soy sauce, and soybean oil.
- Corn-based ingredients: High-fructose corn syrup, corn oil, corn starch, and corn meal.
- Other high-risk oils: Canola oil and cottonseed oil.
- Sugar: Unspecified sugar may come from genetically modified sugar beets.
- Animal feed derivatives: Conventionally raised meat, poultry, and dairy often come from animals fed GMO grain.
Shopping Smart: Putting Knowledge Into Practice
With multiple labeling systems and exemptions, navigating the grocery store can feel overwhelming. Here are some actionable tips:
- Start with produce: For fresh fruits and vegetables, the best way to ensure they are non-GMO is to buy those with the USDA Organic seal.
- Read ingredient lists carefully: For processed foods, scrutinize the ingredient list for common GMO derivatives like soy lecithin, corn syrup, and canola oil. Look for brands that explicitly state “cane sugar” to avoid GMO beet sugar.
- Prioritize certifications: When in doubt, look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal, which provides independent, third-party assurance for a wider range of products, including those that may be exempt from the federal BE label.
- Know your product type: Remember that some items, like meat and dairy from animals fed GMO feed, are not required to have a BE label. To avoid GMO feed, opt for USDA Organic options.
Comparison of GMO Labels and Certifications
| Feature | USDA Bioengineered (BE) Label | Non-GMO Project Verified Seal | USDA Certified Organic Seal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Type | Mandatory federal standard for detectable BE ingredients | Voluntary, third-party verification for GMO avoidance | Mandatory federal standard for organic production |
| Coverage | Food with detectable BE DNA, including processed items | Food, cosmetics, clothing, and supplements that meet avoidance standards | Food, fiber, and livestock produced without GMOs, synthetic pesticides, etc. |
| Exemptions | Highly refined ingredients, animal feed, multi-ingredient products where meat/eggs are primary | Less than 0.9% unintentional GMO contamination allowed in human food ingredients | Trace, inadvertent GMO contamination may be allowed after investigation |
| Verification | Based on manufacturer's self-disclosure, with USDA auditing through complaints | Rigorous third-party evaluation including supply chain and testing | Annual third-party inspection of farms and processors |
| Transparency | Can be limited due to refined ingredient exemptions and digital label options | High, providing strong consumer trust and transparent standards | High, with holistic standards covering many aspects of production |
Conclusion
Understanding how you can tell if a food contains GMOs is a multi-step process that goes beyond simply looking for one label. While the mandatory USDA Bioengineered label provides a baseline, its exemptions mean many GMO-derived ingredients can slip through without disclosure. For consumers seeking to avoid GMOs more comprehensively, relying on voluntary certifications like the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and the USDA Certified Organic label is a more robust strategy. By combining label awareness with knowledge of common GMO crops and derived ingredients, you can make more informed and confident choices about the food you purchase. Remember to also consider the source of your food, focusing on whole, unprocessed items and brands known for their transparency. Ultimately, staying informed and knowing what to look for empowers you to make decisions that align with your dietary preferences and health goals.
Learn more about GMO food labeling from the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.
