A Guide to the Confusing World of Food Terminology
When you see a package labeled "bioengineered food" or hear someone use the term "GMO," it can be hard to know if they mean the same thing. The world of food biotechnology has evolved, and with it, the vocabulary used to describe these products. While terms like Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) have been around for decades, regulations like the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) have introduced new, specific language. Understanding the subtle differences between these terms is key for informed purchasing decisions.
The Rise of "Bioengineered" in US Food Labeling
Historically, the public has used the term Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) as a catch-all phrase for foods created through modern genetic engineering. However, in 2022, the United States switched to the new NBFDS, which mandates the use of the term "bioengineered food" for certain products. This federal standard provides specific rules on what must be labeled and how. Foods containing detectable genetic material that has been modified using laboratory techniques are subject to disclosure, provided the modification could not have been achieved through conventional breeding. Products from very small manufacturers, restaurants, and those derived from animals that consumed bioengineered feed are exempt from the mandatory disclosure.
What's the Difference? GMO vs. Bioengineered vs. Genetically Engineered
While often used interchangeably by the public, these terms have distinct meanings, especially in official contexts. The following table highlights the key differences.
| Term | Technical Distinction | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) | A broad, consumer-facing term. It can refer to any organism with altered DNA, including through older methods like selective breeding. | Popular media, general public discourse. Considered less precise by many scientists and regulators. |
| Genetically Engineered (GE) | A more precise scientific term for organisms modified using modern biotechnology techniques like recombinant DNA technology. | Scientific literature, regulatory bodies like the FDA, and proponents of more precise terminology. |
| Bioengineered (BE) | The specific legal term mandated by the USDA for labeling certain products in the US. It covers foods with detectable, modified genetic material from lab techniques. | US regulatory disclosure on food labels (since 2022). It is a marketing label and does not imply any health or safety information. |
Common Examples of Bioengineered Foods
Many of the most common crops in the US have bioengineered varieties. They are often modified for specific traits, such as resistance to pests, disease, or herbicides.
Some common examples of bioengineered crops available in the US include:
- Corn: Much of the corn grown in the US is bioengineered, often to be resistant to insects or herbicides. This corn is a major ingredient in many processed foods and animal feed.
- Soybeans: Most soybeans grown in the US are bioengineered, mainly for herbicide tolerance. They are used in countless processed foods and for animal feed.
- Canola: Primarily used to make cooking oil, bioengineered canola is mostly herbicide-resistant.
- Sugar Beets: A significant portion of the sugar sold in the US comes from bioengineered sugar beets that are resistant to herbicides.
- Alfalfa: Bioengineered to be herbicide-tolerant, this crop is primarily used to feed livestock, particularly dairy cows.
- Papaya: The 'Rainbow' variety was bioengineered to be resistant to the ringspot virus, which saved the Hawaiian papaya industry.
- Apples: Certain varieties, like Arctic™ apples, are engineered to resist browning when cut.
- Summer Squash: Some varieties are bioengineered to resist certain plant viruses.
- Pineapple: The pink flesh pineapple was bioengineered to increase lycopene levels.
- AquAdvantage Salmon: This is the first genetically engineered animal approved by the FDA for human consumption, designed to grow faster.
Understanding the Labels
With the NBFDS now in effect, consumers will encounter a few different labeling options for bioengineered products. A food may bear a text disclosure saying "Bioengineered food" or "Contains a bioengineered food ingredient." Alternatively, a product may display the USDA-approved bioengineered symbol, which is a stylized green circle. Less visible options include a QR code or a text message number that links to the disclosure. It is important to note that highly refined ingredients derived from bioengineered sources, like corn oil or sugar, do not require a disclosure if the modified genetic material is undetectable in the final product. For non-GMO consumers, the voluntary Non-GMO Project Verified label remains a widely recognized option, and organically certified products are, by definition, also non-GMO. For detailed information on the standard, you can consult the official USDA page: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.
Conclusion: Navigating a Complex Topic
So, what are bioengineered foods also called? The answer depends on context. In everyday conversation, people often use "GMOs" and "bioengineered foods" interchangeably, referring to products created with modern genetic modification techniques. However, for official US food labeling, "bioengineered" is the precise, legally mandated term for qualifying products, a distinction established by the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. Understanding these variations empowers consumers to better interpret product labels and access more detailed information, whether their interest lies in the science behind the food or the regulatory landscape that governs it.
