The question of what ingredients are bioengineered has become increasingly relevant to grocery shoppers following the implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard in 2022. This federal regulation requires food manufacturers to label products that contain detectable modified genetic material. While the terms "bioengineered" and "genetically modified organism" (GMO) are often used interchangeably, the USDA's labeling law has specific criteria, meaning not all GMO-derived products require a disclosure. Understanding this list of crops and where their derivatives appear in the food supply is key for making informed purchasing decisions.
Official USDA List of Bioengineered Foods
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service maintains and updates an official list of foods that are commercially available in bioengineered form. If a food contains detectable genetic material from one of these crops, it must be disclosed on the label.
Bioengineered Crops and Vegetables
- Alfalfa: Primarily used as feed for livestock, especially dairy cows.
- Canola: A major source of cooking oil used in countless processed foods.
- Corn: Widely used in its whole form and as derivatives like cornstarch, corn syrup, and corn oil.
- Cotton: Cultivated for its fiber, but cottonseed oil is used for cooking.
- Eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties): Some specific varieties of eggplant are bioengineered.
- Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties): A genetically modified papaya saved Hawaii's papaya industry from the ringspot virus.
- Potato: Certain varieties are engineered for pest resistance and to prevent bruising.
- Soybean: A foundational ingredient in many products, used for soy protein, soy lecithin, and soybean oil.
- Squash (summer, coat protein-mediated virus-resistant varieties): Some varieties are engineered to resist viruses.
- Sugarbeet: Used to produce a significant portion of the granulated sugar in the U.S..
Bioengineered Fruits and Animals
- Apple (Arctic™ varieties): These varieties are engineered to resist browning when cut.
- Pineapple (pink flesh varieties): A pink-fleshed pineapple, marketed under names like Pinkglow®, is available in the U.S..
- Salmon (AquAdvantage®): A specific type of salmon engineered to grow faster.
The “Derived From” Bioengineering Exception
One of the most important aspects of the labeling standard is the exception for highly refined ingredients. When crops like corn, soy, and sugarbeets are processed into oils, sugars, and syrups, the refining process often removes all detectable modified genetic material. In these cases, a bioengineered disclosure is not required, but manufacturers may voluntarily state that the product is "derived from bioengineering". This is a key reason why many products containing these common ingredients don't carry the BE label, which can lead to consumer confusion.
Comparison of Bioengineered vs. Non-Bioengineered Foods
| Aspect | Bioengineered Food | Non-Bioengineered Food |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Profile | DNA has been intentionally modified in a lab to introduce specific traits. | DNA is not lab-modified; bred through conventional methods or grown naturally. |
| Common Traits | Herbicide resistance, pest resistance, disease immunity, enhanced nutrient content, delayed browning. | Traits are the result of traditional cross-breeding and natural selection. |
| Labeling | May be labeled "Bioengineered" or "Derived from Bioengineering" under USDA standards. | May be labeled "USDA Organic" or "Non-GMO Project Verified" to indicate no genetic modification. |
| Processing | Highly processed derivatives (oils, sugars) may not require labeling if genetic material is undetectable. | Minimally processed or processed using ingredients from non-GM sources. |
| Cost | Often more cost-effective for farmers, which can result in lower costs for consumers. | May have a higher price point due to more labor-intensive farming methods. |
Where Bioengineered Ingredients are Found
Due to the ubiquity of corn, soy, and canola, many processed foods on grocery store shelves contain bioengineered derivatives. Examples include:
- Snack Foods: Corn chips, crackers, and snacks often use bioengineered corn flour or oils.
- Beverages: Sodas and other sweetened drinks frequently contain high-fructose corn syrup from bioengineered corn.
- Baked Goods: Many breads, cookies, and other baked goods use sugar derived from bioengineered sugarbeets or oils from bioengineered canola.
- Condiments and Sauces: Salad dressings, mayonnaise, and sauces are often made with soybean or canola oil.
- Meat and Dairy: Conventionally raised livestock are typically fed bioengineered crops like corn and alfalfa, but the resulting meat and dairy products are exempt from BE labeling.
Avoiding Bioengineered Ingredients
For consumers who wish to avoid bioengineered ingredients, there are two primary methods for identification:
- The USDA Organic Seal: By definition, the USDA's organic standards do not permit the use of bioengineered ingredients in certified products.
- The Non-GMO Project Verified Label: This third-party verification, symbolized by the butterfly logo, is widely considered the most rigorous standard for avoiding GMOs and bioengineered foods.
It is important to note that the absence of a BE label does not guarantee a product is free of all GMOs due to the "derived from" and other exemptions in the USDA standard.
Conclusion
Bioengineered ingredients are a widespread component of the modern food supply, stemming primarily from a few major crops like corn, soy, and canola that have been genetically modified for beneficial agricultural traits. The USDA's bioengineered labeling standard provides greater transparency for consumers, but understanding its nuances, such as the "derived from" exception for highly refined ingredients, is essential. Ultimately, consumers have several tools, from reading labels to seeking out certified organic or Non-GMO Project Verified products, to help them understand and control what is in their food.
For more information on the official labeling rules, consult the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service page on the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.
