What is a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)?
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Unlike traditional selective breeding, which crosses related species to achieve desired traits over many generations, modern genetic engineering allows scientists to insert specific genes directly into an organism's DNA. In agriculture, this is done to introduce traits like resistance to pests, tolerance to herbicides, or improved nutritional profiles.
For beans and other crops, this modification can lead to increased yields, reduced pesticide use, and greater efficiency for farmers. However, it is a point of concern for some consumers who are wary of potential long-term health or environmental effects.
The Rise of Genetically Modified Soybeans
The soybean stands out in the bean family as the most widely grown and most likely to be genetically modified. First introduced by Monsanto in 1996, genetically modified soybeans are engineered primarily for herbicide tolerance. This allows farmers to spray herbicides, such as glyphosate, to kill weeds without harming the soybean plants. Over 90% of soybeans grown in the United States and Canada are bioengineered. A significant portion of this crop is used for animal feed or processed into ingredients for packaged foods, such as soybean oil and soy lecithin.
Genetically modified soybeans are also developed to be more resistant to drought, further increasing yield and stability for farmers. The prevalence of GMO soybeans means that many processed food products contain bioengineered ingredients, which U.S. regulations now require to be labeled as 'bioengineered food'.
Common Beans and the GMO Status
In contrast to soybeans, the vast majority of other common bean varieties are not genetically modified. This includes many beans used in everyday cooking.
- Kidney Beans: As part of the Phaseolus genus of common beans, kidney beans are not commercially available as a genetically modified crop in the United States or Canada.
- Green Beans: No GMO green beans have been commercialized.
- Navy, Pinto, and Black Beans: These are also common bean varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris) and are not genetically modified for commercial production in the U.S. The Bean Improvement Cooperative has confirmed the non-GMO status of dry and snap beans grown in the U.S..
Notable Exceptions: A Virus-Resistant Common Bean
While most common beans remain non-GMO, there are exceptions. In Brazil, the first transgenic common bean variety resistant to the bean golden mosaic virus was approved for commercial use. This virus can devastate crops, and genetic engineering was pursued after traditional breeding methods failed to produce a resistant variety. While this is a common bean, its genetic modification and commercialization is specific to Brazil, and it is not grown or sold in the U.S..
Are there any GMO beans besides soybeans?
As noted, the primary GMO bean is the soybean. However, researchers continuously work on genetic modifications for various crops. In the future, other bean varieties may become genetically modified, but the process is more difficult for some types of beans due to their recalcitrant nature.
GMO vs. Non-GMO Beans: A Comparison
| Feature | GMO Soybeans | Non-GMO Common Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Increased herbicide tolerance, drought resistance, and improved oil composition. | Selected through traditional breeding for traits like yield, flavor, and pest resistance. |
| Commercial Availability (U.S.) | High. Over 90% of soybeans grown are GMO. | High. All dry and snap beans grown are non-GMO. |
| Application | Primarily used for animal feed and processed food ingredients like oils and emulsifiers. | Used as whole beans for direct consumption, such as in salads, soups, and side dishes. |
| Regulatory Status (U.S.) | Regulated by the FDA, USDA, and EPA. Requires 'Bioengineered' labeling on food products. | Standard food regulations. 'Non-GMO' labels are common but not required. |
| Genetic Modification | Engineered in a lab to introduce specific traits, often from other organisms. | Result of selective breeding over many generations. |
| Consumer Options | Products containing soy ingredients may be sourced from GMO crops unless explicitly labeled 'Non-GMO'. | Widely available as non-GMO across various varieties and products. |
How to Identify Genetically Modified Beans in Products
For consumers in the United States, identifying genetically modified products has become more straightforward with the implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. This standard mandates that food manufacturers disclose the presence of bioengineered ingredients.
Look for the following indicators on food packaging:
- Bioengineered Label: A small text or symbol indicating the food is bioengineered. This is mandatory for foods containing detectable genetic material from GMOs.
- Non-GMO Project Verified Seal: This third-party certification indicates that a product has been tested and verified to contain no GMO ingredients.
- Certified Organic Label: Organic products are prohibited from using GMOs. The USDA Certified Organic label is a reliable indicator that the food is free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Conclusion
In summary, the question of which beans are genetically modified has a clear and straightforward answer. While the soybean is overwhelmingly likely to be genetically engineered in commercial production, most other common beans, including kidney, green, pinto, and black beans, are not. The genetic recalcitrance of common beans, combined with oversight from organizations like the Bean Improvement Cooperative and farmer preferences, has kept them free of commercial GMO varieties in major markets like the United States. For consumers, labels such as 'Bioengineered' and 'Non-GMO Project Verified' provide clear guidance on a product's contents, allowing for informed choices based on dietary preferences and ethical considerations. The presence of a GMO bean variety in Brazil shows that the technology exists, but its widespread adoption is not uniform across all bean types or geographical regions.
