What is a Genetically Modified (GM) Food?
Genetically modified (GM) food refers to products that contain, consist of, or are produced from organisms that have had their genetic material (DNA) altered in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or recombination. This process is also known as genetic engineering. Scientists can insert specific genes from one organism into another to produce desirable traits. For example, a crop can be modified to be resistant to certain pests or herbicides, increase its nutrient content, or withstand drought conditions. Historically, traditional breeding methods involved mixing thousands of genes over many generations to achieve desired outcomes. Modern genetic modification, in contrast, allows for more precise changes by inserting a single gene or a small number of genes, significantly shortening the development timeline.
The Evolution from "GM" to "Bioengineered"
While "genetically modified" or "GMO" (genetically modified organism) is still widely used in general conversation, the official terminology for labeling in the United States has changed. In 2016, the U.S. Congress passed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), with mandatory compliance beginning on January 1, 2022. This standard mandates the use of the term "bioengineered" (BE) or an approved symbol to disclose the presence of genetically engineered ingredients in food. It is important to note that the USDA's term "bioengineered" has a more specific definition than the general term "GMO".
Navigating US Labeling: The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
Under the NBFDS, manufacturers, importers, and retailers are responsible for disclosing if a food is bioengineered or contains bioengineered ingredients. The Standard provides several options for disclosure, offering some flexibility to food companies.
The "Bioengineered" Symbol and Text Disclosures
Food manufacturers in the U.S. can choose from a few approved methods to inform consumers about bioengineered ingredients. The most common disclosures are:
- Text Disclosure: A written statement on the package, such as "Bioengineered food" for single-ingredient items, or "Contains a bioengineered food ingredient" for multi-ingredient products.
- Symbol Disclosure: A black and white or colored symbol designed by the USDA, which is a circular logo featuring a plant and the word "BIOENGINEERED".
- Digital Disclosure: An electronic or digital link, like a QR code, that leads consumers to a website containing the disclosure information.
Common Bioengineered Foods and Ingredients
Bioengineered crops are a significant part of the food supply, especially in the US. Most are processed into common ingredients found in a wide variety of foods. Some of the most common BE crops include:
- Corn: Used to produce ingredients like corn syrup, cornstarch, and corn oil.
- Soybeans: A source of soybean oil, soy lecithin, and soy flour.
- Canola: Primarily grown for canola oil.
- Sugar Beets: A major source of refined sugar in the U.S.
- Alfalfa: Primarily used as animal feed.
- Papaya: Certain varieties are modified to resist the ringspot virus.
- Apples: Non-browning varieties exist.
- Potatoes: Modified to reduce bruising.
- Squash: Some varieties of summer squash are virus-resistant.
Comparing US and EU Labeling Regulations
The approach to labeling genetically modified foods differs significantly between the United States and the European Union, affecting what consumers see on product packaging.
| Feature | United States (USDA Bioengineered Standard) | European Union (EC Regulation 1829/2003) |
|---|---|---|
| Terminology | Uses "Bioengineered" (BE) on packaging. | Uses "Genetically Modified" (GM) on packaging. |
| Exempt Ingredients | Exempts highly refined products where modified genetic material is undetectable, such as oils and sugars. | Requires labeling for ingredients, even if highly refined, if they are derived from a GM source. |
| Animal Feed Exemption | Foods from animals fed with bioengineered feed (e.g., meat, milk, eggs) are exempt from disclosure. | Foods from animals fed with GM feed are exempt from labeling. |
| Restaurant Exemption | Food served in restaurants and similar establishments is exempt. | Food served to customers in restaurants and cafes does not require a GM label. |
| Unintentional Presence | Allows up to 5% unintentional or unavoidable BE substance per ingredient without requiring disclosure. | Tolerates up to 0.9% unintentional or unavoidable GM material per ingredient before requiring labeling. |
Understanding Key Exemptions
Several categories of food are exempt from the mandatory BE disclosure under the USDA's NBFDS. These exemptions mean that even if a product contains ingredients derived from bioengineering, it may not have a BE label. Some of the most significant exemptions include:
- Highly Refined Ingredients: Products like refined sugar from sugar beets or cooking oil from corn and soybeans are exempt because the manufacturing process removes the modified genetic material, making it undetectable in the final product.
- Food Served in Restaurants: Prepared food for immediate consumption, such as in restaurants, cafeterias, and food trucks, does not require a BE label.
- Animal Feed Exemption: Meat, poultry, dairy, and egg products are not considered bioengineered simply because the animals that produced them consumed feed containing bioengineered ingredients.
- Certified Organic Products: By law, products certified under the USDA National Organic Program cannot be intentionally produced using bioengineering and are therefore exempt from BE labeling.
The Role of Voluntary "Non-GMO" Labels
To provide more information to consumers, many products carry voluntary third-party certifications, most notably the Non-GMO Project Verified label. This certification is often recognizable by a butterfly symbol on the packaging. Unlike the mandatory USDA BE label, the Non-GMO Project has a stricter standard that requires verification for ingredients regardless of whether modified genetic material is detectable. A product bearing this label provides assurance to consumers that the product has been verified to be free of GMOs.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About GM Food
Navigating food labels to understand what does GM mean is a matter of understanding the specific regulations in your region. In the U.S., the official term is "bioengineered" (BE), and its labeling requirements come with notable exemptions, especially for highly refined products and animal-derived foods. The absence of a BE label does not guarantee a product is free of all genetically engineered material. Consumers seeking greater transparency can look for third-party certifications like the Non-GMO Project Verified label. Ultimately, being aware of the different labeling systems, understanding the exemptions, and recognizing voluntary certifications are the most effective ways for consumers to make purchasing decisions that align with their preferences.
For more detailed information on U.S. labeling rules, consumers can consult the USDA's official resources(https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/agricultural-biotechnology).
