What foods have bioengineered ingredients?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 90% of corn, soy, and sugar beets grown in the United States are bioengineered. This statistic means that it is highly likely that many products on grocery store shelves contain bioengineered ingredients, often found in processed foods but also in some produce.

Quick Summary

This article explores common food products and crops that contain or are derived from bioengineered ingredients. It covers how bioengineered foods are developed, which specific crops are bioengineered, and how they appear in a variety of processed goods. The guide also details the U.S. labeling requirements and provides a table comparing bioengineered and organic products.

Key Points

• Corn and Soy are Prevalent: The vast majority of corn and soybeans grown in the US are bioengineered, leading to their inclusion in many processed foods as oils, syrups, and thickeners.

• Labeling is Mandated by USDA: As of 2022, a USDA disclosure standard requires manufacturers to label products containing bioengineered ingredients with a symbol, text, or digital link.

• Refined Ingredients Have Exemptions: Some common derivatives, such as highly refined corn and soybean oils and sugar from beets, may not be labeled if the bioengineered genetic material is no longer detectable.

• Animal Products are Unlabeled: Foods like meat, milk, and eggs from animals fed bioengineered feed are exempt from the USDA's disclosure requirements.

• Specific Produce Varieties are Bioengineered: Beyond staple crops, specific varieties of certain produce, including pink pineapple, Arctic apples, and certain papayas, are also bioengineered.

• Organic is Your Best Indicator: To avoid bioengineered ingredients, look for products certified organic or labeled as "Non-GMO Project Verified," as these standards prohibit their use.

• BE Status Varies by Variety: Not all foods on the official BE list are bioengineered by default. For example, only certain varieties of apples or potatoes are genetically modified.

Understanding Bioengineered Food

Bioengineered (BE) food, often synonymous with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), refers to food products developed from an organism with genetic material that has been modified using laboratory techniques. This process is different from traditional cross-breeding, which takes many generations to achieve a desired trait. The purpose of these modifications is varied, including increasing pest resistance, improving crop yields, enhancing nutritional value, or extending shelf life.

Starting in 2022, the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires manufacturers, importers, and other entities to disclose if a food is bioengineered or contains bioengineered ingredients. This is typically done with a circular "Bioengineered" symbol, written text, or an electronic/digital link. However, there are some exemptions, such as for highly refined ingredients where the modified genetic material is no longer detectable.

Common Bioengineered Crops and Their Uses

Bioengineered crops are a major part of the food supply in the United States. While some are sold as fresh produce, a significant portion is processed into common ingredients for other food products.

• Corn: Most corn grown in the U.S. is bioengineered for herbicide tolerance or insect resistance. It is used to produce ingredients like cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, and high-fructose corn syrup, which are common in many processed foods and drinks.
• Soybean: The majority of U.S. soy is bioengineered to be herbicide-tolerant. It is widely used for animal feed and processed into ingredients such as soy lecithin, soybean oil, and soy proteins found in cereals, baked goods, and faux meat products.
• Canola: Much of the canola grown in North America is bioengineered to be herbicide-resistant. Canola oil is a very common cooking oil and ingredient in packaged foods, margarine, and salad dressings.
• Sugar Beet: Over half of the granulated sugar sold in U.S. grocery stores is made from bioengineered sugar beets. These are modified to be herbicide-tolerant.
• Alfalfa: Primarily used as animal feed for dairy cattle, bioengineered alfalfa is resistant to herbicides.
• Potato: Certain varieties of potatoes are bioengineered to resist pests, diseases, and bruising, or to reduce the potential for carcinogen formation during high-heat cooking.
• Papaya: The 'Rainbow' papaya variety was bioengineered to resist the ringspot virus that threatened Hawaii's papaya industry.
• Apple: 'Arctic' apple varieties are engineered to resist browning when cut.
• Pink Pineapple: A specific variety of pineapple is bioengineered to produce more lycopene, giving it a pink flesh.
• Squash: Some varieties of summer squash are bioengineered to be virus-resistant.
• Salmon: AquAdvantage® salmon is a faster-growing, bioengineered animal approved for sale in the U.S..

Where You'll Find Bioengineered Ingredients

Given the prevalence of bioengineered crops like corn, soy, and canola, their derivatives are widespread in the food supply, especially in processed and packaged goods. This is where it can be most difficult for consumers to track, as the final products containing these derivatives might not carry a prominent BE label due to labeling exemptions.

Processed and Packaged Foods:

• Sweeteners: High-fructose corn syrup and granulated sugar derived from sugar beets are found in soft drinks, baked goods, and cereals.
• Oils: Canola, corn, and soybean oils are used in snack foods, salad dressings, sauces, and margarine.
• Thickeners and Fillers: Cornstarch and soy products (lecithin, proteins) are used in soups, sauces, gravies, and frozen foods.
• Proteins: Soy proteins can be found in veggie burgers, meat alternatives, and protein bars.
• Animal Feed: Meat, eggs, and dairy products come from animals often fed bioengineered crops like corn, soy, and alfalfa. The USDA disclosure standard does not require labeling for these products.

Navigating Your Grocery Choices

For those who prefer to avoid bioengineered ingredients, understanding food labeling and focusing on certain product categories can help. Certified organic products are, by law, produced without genetic modification. Additionally, some brands voluntarily seek "Non-GMO Project Verified" status.

Feature	Bioengineered (BE) Foods	Certified Organic Foods
Genetic Modification	Contain genetic material that has been altered in a lab.	Produced without genetic engineering.
Labeling	Mandatory USDA "Bioengineered" symbol, text, or digital link disclosure in the U.S., with some exemptions.	Required to carry the USDA Organic seal, which ensures no GMOs.
Refined Ingredients	Highly refined ingredients (e.g., oils, sugars) may be exempt from labeling if no detectable genetic material remains.	All ingredients must be organic, including highly refined ones.
Animal Feed	Meat, dairy, and eggs from animals fed BE crops are not required to be labeled as BE.	Animals must be fed certified organic feed, which cannot be bioengineered.

Conclusion

Bioengineered ingredients are a prevalent feature of the modern food system, appearing in a wide range of common foods, both processed and fresh. Major crops like corn, soy, and sugar beets are frequently bioengineered to improve agricultural efficiency, and their derivatives are used in countless packaged products. The USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard provides consumers with some information, though it includes exemptions for highly refined ingredients and animal products. Being aware of the most common bioengineered crops and learning to recognize relevant labels can help consumers make informed purchasing decisions based on their preferences.

This article offers general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice. Consult with a qualified health professional for dietary guidance. For a comprehensive list of bioengineered foods, refer to the USDA's official list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bioengineered food and GMO?

The term 'bioengineered food' is the regulatory term used by the USDA for the purposes of food labeling and is very similar to 'GMO,' or genetically modified organism. In general, bioengineered refers to genetic modification involving an external organism's DNA, while GMO can be a broader term.

How can I tell if a food product contains bioengineered ingredients?

In the United States, look for the official USDA 'Bioengineered' symbol, text that says 'bioengineered food,' or a QR code/website link on the product packaging that leads to the disclosure.

Are there bioengineered fresh fruits and vegetables?

Yes. Examples include certain varieties of apples (Arctic™), papayas (Rainbow), potatoes, summer squash, and pink pineapples.

Are highly refined ingredients like canola oil labeled as bioengineered?

No, if a highly refined ingredient like corn oil, soybean oil, or sugar from sugar beets is processed to the point that the bioengineered genetic material is no longer detectable, it is exempt from the labeling requirement.

Do meat, poultry, or dairy products need to be labeled if the animals ate bioengineered feed?

No. The USDA disclosure standard specifically exempts products like meat, milk, and eggs derived from animals that were fed bioengineered crops.

How can I avoid bioengineered foods?

To avoid bioengineered foods, look for products with the USDA Organic seal, as organic standards prohibit genetic engineering. Alternatively, choose products with the 'Non-GMO Project Verified' label, or focus on whole foods not typically bioengineered.

Are bioengineered foods safe to eat?

According to major scientific and health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the FDA, bioengineered foods currently on the market are considered safe to eat and have passed rigorous safety assessments. While safety is widely accepted, some individuals prefer non-bioengineered options out of caution.