Why Am I Seeing Bioengineered Food Ingredients on Food Labels?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented a new standard requiring manufacturers to disclose products containing bioengineered food ingredients. This change is the primary reason why these labels have recently appeared on many of your favorite foods, providing a new level of transparency for consumers.

Quick Summary

The appearance of bioengineered food labels is due to a 2022 USDA mandate. It requires manufacturers to disclose ingredients created with modern genetic engineering techniques, providing consumers with more information about the food they buy.

Key Points

New Regulation: Mandatory disclosure for bioengineered ingredients became effective in the U.S. on January 1, 2022, as part of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.
BE vs. GMO: The USDA uses the term "bioengineered" for labeling, which is a specific subset of genetic modification, and distinct from the broader term "GMO".
Disclosure Methods: Companies can disclose bioengineered ingredients using text on the label, a standardized symbol, a scannable QR code (SmartLabel), or a text message/phone number service.
Detectability Matters: Highly refined ingredients like certain oils and sugars are exempt from labeling if the refining process removes all detectable modified genetic material.
Common BE Crops: You will find labels on products containing ingredients from common bioengineered crops such as corn, soybeans, canola, and sugarbeets.
Exemptions Exist: Some products, like those from very small manufacturers, restaurants, and animal products where the animal consumed BE feed, are exempt from mandatory labeling.
Look for Other Labels: For those seeking to avoid all genetically engineered products, looking for USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified certifications is still recommended.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), passed by Congress in 2016, created a federal law for consistent, mandatory labeling across the U.S.. Mandatory labeling began on January 1, 2022, establishing a uniform standard to help consumers identify products made with modern biotechnology. This standard replaced a potentially complex system of state-specific regulations.

The Switch from "GMO" to "BE"

A notable change in the NBFDS is the required use of "bioengineered" (BE) instead of the common term "GMO". The USDA's definition of bioengineered food involves detectable genetic material modified through specific laboratory techniques not achievable through traditional breeding. This choice of terminology has been debated by consumer advocates who find "GMO" more recognizable.

Mandatory Disclosure Takes Effect

Since early 2022, manufacturers, importers, and retailers must comply with the standard, explaining the widespread appearance of these new labels. The standard allows companies flexibility in how they communicate this information to consumers.

Understanding Bioengineered vs. GMO

While often used interchangeably, "bioengineered" and "genetically modified organism (GMO)" have different meanings under the USDA standard. Bioengineered is a more specific term within the broader concept of genetic modification.

What the USDA Defines as "Bioengineered"

The USDA defines bioengineered food as containing genetic material modified by in vitro recombinant DNA techniques not possible through conventional breeding. A key point is that the finished product must contain detectable modified genetic material, which exempts certain highly refined ingredients.

The Broader Term: Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

The term GMO is generally used by the public to describe any organism with genetic material altered using genetic engineering. This broader definition means some items commonly called GMOs may not require a mandatory BE label under the standard.

How to Identify Bioengineered Food Ingredients

Food companies have several approved methods to disclose bioengineered ingredients, which must be clear and visible to consumers.

Common Disclosure Methods:

Text Disclosure: Phrases like "Bioengineered food" or "Contains a bioengineered food ingredient" are used.
Symbol Disclosure: A specific circular symbol with "BIOENGINEERED" and a stylized plant image can be used, in color or black and white.
Electronic or Digital Link: QR codes or similar links (often called "SmartLabel") can lead to a webpage with the disclosure. Text like "Scan here for more food information" must accompany the link.
Text Message or Phone Number: These options provide the disclosure via a free service for the consumer, sometimes used for smaller packaging or brands.

Common Bioengineered Crops and Products

Ingredients derived from bioengineered crops are common in U.S. foods. The USDA lists crops available in bioengineered form that may require disclosure. These include:

Alfalfa
Canola
Corn
Cotton
Papaya (certain varieties)
Pineapple (pink-fleshed)
Potato (certain varieties)
Salmon (AquAdvantage®)
Soybean
Sugarbeet

The Exemptions and Gray Areas

The USDA standard includes exemptions where a bioengineered food label is not required.

Refined Ingredients and the "Derived From" Label

Highly refined ingredients, such as certain oils and sugars, are exempt if the refining process removes detectable modified genetic material. Companies may voluntarily label these as "derived from bioengineering".

Exemptions for Small Manufacturers and Restaurants

Food served in restaurants, products from "very small food manufacturers" (under $2.5 million in annual receipts), and most meat, poultry, and egg products are also exempt.

Labeling Comparison: BE, Organic, and Non-GMO Project

Understanding different food labels is helpful for consumers. Here’s a comparison:


Feature	USDA Bioengineered (BE) Label	USDA Organic Label	Non-GMO Project Verified
Regulatory Body	USDA - AMS	USDA - NOP	Non-profit organization
Compliance	Mandatory for regulated foods with detectable BE material.	Voluntary certification.	Voluntary third-party verification.
Scope	Discloses specific modern genetic engineering techniques.	Prohibits genetic engineering methods.	Confirms no GMOs above a threshold.
Detectable DNA	Required if detectable in finished product.	Production method prohibits genetic engineering.	Tests for GMO presence.
Animal Products	Exempt if animal eats BE feed.	Prohibits BE/GMO animal feed.	Prohibits GMO animal feed.
Highly Refined	Exempt if no detectable genetic material.	Cannot be certified Organic if BE.	Tested for compliance.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

The appearance of bioengineered food ingredients labels is a result of the USDA's mandatory disclosure standard, fully effective in 2022. These labels aim to give consumers more information about their food. While the terms and exemptions can be complex, understanding them helps in making informed decisions. Consumers can also look for USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified labels if they wish to avoid bioengineered ingredients. This increased transparency empowers consumers to choose products based on their preferences.

For more details on the standard, visit the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service at the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

The USDA's term "bioengineered" (BE) specifically refers to products containing modified genetic material from lab techniques that couldn't be achieved through traditional breeding. "GMO," or Genetically Modified Organism, is a broader, informal term for any organism whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering.

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard was created to establish a consistent, national mandatory labeling standard for bioengineered foods, replacing a potential state-by-state regulatory system and providing consumers with a clear, uniform way to identify these ingredients.

According to the scientific consensus from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), available food from genetically modified crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food. All approved bioengineered foods undergo rigorous safety assessments.

Look for the USDA's circular green and yellow "BIOENGINEERED" symbol, or text on the package stating "Bioengineered food" or "Contains a bioengineered food ingredient." A QR code or phone number may also provide the required disclosure.

No. The USDA standard includes exemptions, such as for highly refined ingredients where modified genetic material is no longer detectable, products from very small food manufacturers, and food served in restaurants.

No, the bioengineered food label is a marketing disclosure and does not convey any information about the health, safety, or environmental attributes of the food compared to its non-bioengineered counterparts. Independent assessments confirm their safety.

No. Under the National Organic Program, genetic engineering is explicitly prohibited. Therefore, any product with the USDA Organic certification cannot contain bioengineered ingredients.