Understanding Bioengineered Food: A Complete Guide
In recent years, the term "bioengineered food" has become increasingly common on grocery store shelves across the United States. With the implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), consumers are now seeing new labels on many of the products they purchase daily. But what exactly does bioengineered food mean, and should you be concerned about it?
Bioengineered food, as defined by the USDA, refers to food that contains detectable genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) techniques and for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. In simpler terms, these are foods whose DNA has been altered using laboratory methods that go beyond traditional plant breeding.
The Difference Between Bioengineered and GMO
Many people use the terms "bioengineered" and "genetically modified organism" (GMO) interchangeably, but there are subtle differences worth noting. The term GMO has been widely used in public discourse and by advocacy groups for decades. However, the USDA specifically chose the term "bioengineered" for its disclosure standard to provide a more precise scientific definition.
The key distinction lies in detectability. A food is considered bioengineered under the NBFDS only if modified genetic material can be detected in the final product. This means that highly refined products like sugar from bioengineered sugar beets or oil from bioengineered soybeans may not require a bioengineered disclosure because the refining process can remove detectable modified DNA. In contrast, the broader term GMO could apply to any organism whose genetics have been altered, regardless of whether the modification is detectable in the final product.
Common Bioengineered Foods in the United States
The USDA maintains a List of Bioengineered Foods that helps food manufacturers determine which products may need to carry a bioengineered disclosure. As of the latest update, this list includes alfalfa, Arctic apples, canola, corn, cotton, eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties), papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties), pineapple (pink flesh varieties), potato, salmon (AquAdvantage), soybean, squash (summer varieties), and sugarbeet.
It is important to note that just because a crop is on this list does not mean that all versions of that crop are bioengineered. For example, not all corn is bioengineered. Organic corn, by definition, cannot be bioengineered. However, a significant percentage of conventional corn grown in the United States is indeed bioengineered, with estimates suggesting that over 90% of corn acreage in the country is planted with bioengineered seed varieties.
How Bioengineered Foods Are Created
The process of creating bioengineered foods involves several sophisticated laboratory techniques. The most common method involves identifying a desirable trait in one organism, such as resistance to a particular pest, isolating the gene responsible for that trait, and then inserting that gene into the DNA of the target crop plant. This process is known as genetic engineering or genetic modification.
Scientists use various tools to accomplish this, including Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, where a naturally occurring soil bacterium is used as a vehicle to deliver the new genetic material into plant cells, and biolistics (gene gun), where microscopic gold or tungsten particles coated with DNA are shot into plant cells at high velocity. More recently, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has emerged as a more precise tool for making targeted changes to an organism's DNA.
Safety and Regulation of Bioengineered Foods
The safety of bioengineered foods has been extensively studied and reviewed by numerous scientific organizations worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have all concluded that currently approved bioengineered foods are safe for human consumption.
In the United States, bioengineered foods are regulated by three federal agencies: the USDA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The USDA oversees the growing and planting of bioengineered crops, the FDA evaluates whether bioengineered foods are safe to eat, and the EPA regulates any bioengineered plants that produce pesticides (such as Bt crops). This coordinated regulatory framework ensures that bioengineered foods undergo rigorous safety assessments before they reach consumers.
The NBFDS Labeling Requirements
Starting January 1, 2022, the NBFDS became mandatory for all food manufacturers, importers, and retailers in the United States. Under this standard, foods that meet the definition of bioengineered must be disclosed to consumers through one of several approved methods. These methods include text on the package stating "bioengineered food" or "contains a bioengineered food ingredient," the USDA bioengineered food symbol (a green circle with the sun and a field), a QR code that consumers can scan for more information, or a phone number or website URL where consumers can find disclosure information.
Small food manufacturers have additional options, including the use of a phone number or URL. Very small food manufacturers are exempt from the standard altogether, as are foods served in restaurants and similar retail establishments, as well as foods produced by very small manufacturers with annual receipts below a certain threshold.
Environmental Considerations
The environmental impact of bioengineered crops is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Proponents argue that bioengineered crops can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, as some crops are engineered to resist specific pests without the need for external pesticide application. Additionally, herbicide-tolerant bioengineered crops can facilitate no-till farming practices, which help reduce soil erosion and improve soil health.
However, critics raise concerns about potential negative environmental impacts, including the development of herbicide-resistant weeds (sometimes called "superweeds"), the potential impact on non-target organisms such as beneficial insects, reduced biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, and gene flow from bioengineered crops to wild relatives. These concerns underscore the importance of responsible stewardship practices and ongoing environmental monitoring.
Making Informed Consumer Choices
Whether or not to consume bioengineered foods is ultimately a personal choice. Armed with knowledge about what bioengineered foods are, how they are regulated, and what the science says about their safety, consumers can make informed decisions that align with their values and preferences. For those who prefer to avoid bioengineered foods, looking for organic certifications, Non-GMO Project Verified labels, or the USDA bioengineered disclosure can help guide purchasing decisions. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, understanding what the bioengineered food label means is an important part of being an informed consumer in today's food landscape.
