What is the new labeling term used for GMO foods?

Since January 2022, food manufacturers have been required to use a new term to disclose the presence of genetically modified ingredients, with an estimated 70-75% of processed foods in the U.S. containing them. This new labeling term used for GMO foods is "bioengineered" (BE), introduced under the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

Quick Summary

The new labeling term for GMO foods in the U.S. is "bioengineered" (BE), as mandated by the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. This regulation, effective since 2022, offers several disclosure methods, including a symbol or text on packaging, to inform consumers about the presence of genetically engineered ingredients.

Key Points

• New Term: The official U.S. labeling term for genetically modified foods is now "bioengineered" (BE), replacing the common acronym "GMO".

• USDA Mandate: This change is part of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

• Key Exemptions: The standard exempts many items, including highly refined ingredients without detectable modified DNA (like some oils and sugars), restaurant food, and products from animals that consumed bioengineered feed.

• Organic Certification: Foods that are USDA Certified Organic are, by definition, produced without bioengineering and are therefore exempt from BE labeling.

• Narrower Scope: The "bioengineered" definition is narrower than the general consumer understanding of "GMO".

Understanding the Shift from GMO to Bioengineered

For decades, the term "GMO," or Genetically Modified Organism, was the common parlance for foods altered through genetic engineering. In 2016, however, Congress passed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, changing the labeling term to "bioengineered". This federal law aimed to standardize disclosure across the U.S., replacing varied state regulations. For more detailed information on the standard and its provisions, you can refer to {Link: Congress website https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R46183}.

Conclusion: Navigating the New Food Labels

Consumers should recognize that "GMO" has been officially replaced by "bioengineered" for mandatory labeling. However, exemptions, particularly for highly refined products and animal feed, mean not all GMO-derived foods will have the BE label. For those wishing to avoid genetically engineered foods entirely, the USDA Organic seal or third-party certifications like the Non-GMO Project Verified label, which prohibit bioengineered ingredients, offer more certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new term replacing 'GMO' on food labels?

The new labeling term used for GMO foods is "bioengineered" (BE), as mandated by the USDA's National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

When did the 'bioengineered' food labeling standard take effect?

Mandatory compliance for the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard began on January 1, 2022, though some companies started adopting the labels voluntarily earlier.

Is 'bioengineered' the same thing as 'GMO'?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, the USDA's definition of "bioengineered" is narrower than the general term "GMO." Some products derived from bioengineered crops, like highly refined oils, are exempt from the BE label if the modified DNA is no longer detectable.

Why would a food product with bioengineered ingredients not have a BE label?

A product might not have a BE label due to several exemptions. These include highly refined ingredients where modified DNA is not detectable, food served in restaurants, products from very small manufacturers, and products with meat or poultry as the main ingredient.

What does the 'derived from bioengineering' label mean?

The "derived from bioengineering" text or symbol is an optional, voluntary disclosure. It is typically used for highly refined ingredients, such as oils and sugars, that come from bioengineered crops but do not contain detectable modified genetic material in the final product.

How can I identify a food that is not bioengineered?

To be certain that a food was not produced with bioengineering, look for the USDA Certified Organic seal, which prohibits bioengineered inputs. Alternatively, look for third-party certifications like the Non-GMO Project Verified label.

What are the ways a company can disclose a bioengineered food?

Companies can use text on the package, a circular USDA-approved symbol, a scannable QR code, or a phone number that consumers can text to get information about bioengineered ingredients.