Bioengineered food ingredients are becoming an increasingly discussed topic as consumers seek more clarity about what’s in their food. This article delves into what exactly bioengineered food ingredients are, drawing from the official updates to the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Defining Bioengineered Food Ingredients
At its core, a bioengineered (BE) food ingredient, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a food that contains genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) techniques. This might sound complex, but in simpler terms, it means that the ingredient’s genetic makeup has been altered in a lab using advanced techniques. The crucial part of this definition is that this modification cannot be achieved through traditional breeding methods or found naturally occurring in nature. This distinction sets bioengineered ingredients apart from conventionally bred or naturally occurring variations of foods.
The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
To provide consumers with more information about these types of foods, the USDA established the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. This standard mandates a national, uniform approach to disclosing foods that are, or may be, bioengineered. The aim is to ensure that consumers have access to information about bioengineered foods, allowing for informed choices in the marketplace. This standard is implemented through regulations outlined in 7 CFR Part 66.
The List of Bioengineered Foods
A key component of the Disclosure Standard is the “List of Bioengineered Foods” (the List). This list, maintained and updated by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), acts as a reference point for determining which foods require disclosure. Currently, the List includes a variety of crops and foods for which bioengineered versions have been developed. It’s important to understand that the List operates on a principle of presumption. If a food or food ingredient is derived from an item on the List, there is a presumption that it requires a BE disclosure. However, this presumption can be overcome if regulated entities have records demonstrating that the food or ingredient they are using is not bioengineered. Conversely, even if a food is not on the List, a disclosure is still required if a regulated entity has actual knowledge that the food or ingredient is bioengineered.
As of the latest update, the List includes:
- Alfalfa
- Apple (ArcticTM varieties)
- Canola
- Corn
- Cotton
- Eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties)
- Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties)
- Pineapple (pink flesh varieties)
- Potato
- Salmon (AquAdvantage®)
- Soybean
- Squash (summer, coat protein-mediated virus-resistant varieties)
- Sugarbeet
- Sugarcane (Bt insect-resistant varieties)
Updates to the List: Sugarcane and Squash
Recently, the USDA has updated the List, reflecting the evolving landscape of bioengineered foods. These updates, finalized in December 2023, involve adding sugarcane and refining the entry for squash.
Adding Sugarcane (Bt insect-resistant varieties)
One significant update is the addition of “sugarcane (Bt insect-resistant varieties)” to the List. This addition means that certain varieties of bioengineered sugarcane, specifically those engineered to be resistant to insect pests using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) technology, are now included under the Disclosure Standard.
The USDA’s decision to add sugarcane to the List was based on several factors. Firstly, Bt insect-resistant sugarcane is authorized for commercial production in Brazil and is legally produced for human food consumption there. While it may not be widely grown in the United States currently, the USDA acknowledges that this bioengineered sugarcane could be imported and used as an ingredient in food products sold in the U.S. Therefore, to ensure comprehensive disclosure, it was deemed necessary to include it on the List.
Concerns were raised during the public comment period about the potential burden on the industry, especially considering that refined sugar may not contain detectable modified genetic material. However, the USDA clarified that the List establishes a presumption, not a definitive declaration. Companies using sugarcane-derived ingredients can avoid disclosure if they maintain records proving that the ingredient is not bioengineered or that detectable modified genetic material is not present in the final food product. This approach balances the need for consumer information with practical considerations for food producers.
Amending Squash (summer, coat protein-mediated virus-resistant varieties)
The second update involves refining the listing for “squash (summer)”. Previously, all summer squash was broadly included on the List. The update narrows this scope to “squash (summer, coat protein-mediated virus-resistant varieties)”. This change is intended to provide more specific information and reduce unnecessary presumptions.
The modifier “coat protein-mediated virus-resistant varieties” is crucial. It refers to summer squash varieties that have been bioengineered for resistance to certain viruses. This resistance is achieved through a technique called “coat protein-mediated protection,” where a gene from a virus is introduced into the plant, making it resistant to viral infections. This modification is specific to certain bioengineered squash varieties and does not apply to all virus-resistant summer squash, as non-bioengineered squash can also exhibit natural or conventionally bred virus resistance.
By adding this modifier, the USDA aims to provide a more precise definition of bioengineered summer squash, ensuring that only squash varieties with this specific bioengineered trait are presumed to require disclosure. This update helps both consumers and regulated entities by clarifying which types of summer squash fall under the Disclosure Standard.
Why This Matters: Understanding Bioengineered Foods
Understanding what bioengineered food ingredients are and the regulations surrounding them is important for several reasons.
For consumers, it provides transparency and the ability to make informed choices. Knowing whether a food product contains bioengineered ingredients allows individuals to align their purchasing decisions with their personal preferences and values. The Disclosure Standard is designed to empower consumers with this knowledge.
For the food industry, it sets clear guidelines for disclosure and labeling. While compliance requires effort, the Standard aims to create a level playing field and ensure that all regulated entities adhere to the same rules. The USDA provides resources and a phase-in period to help businesses adapt to these requirements.
It’s also important to note that the inclusion of a food ingredient on the List does not imply any judgment about its safety. Bioengineered foods available on the market have undergone rigorous safety assessments by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Disclosure Standard is about providing information, not about making claims regarding safety or nutritional differences.
Conclusion
Bioengineered food ingredients are defined by their specific method of genetic modification using rDNA techniques, a process distinct from conventional breeding. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard and its List of Bioengineered Foods are essential tools for providing transparency in the food system. Recent updates to the List, including the addition of sugarcane and the refinement of the squash entry, reflect ongoing efforts to keep the standard relevant and informative as technology and the food supply evolve. As a consumer, understanding these definitions and regulations can help you navigate food choices more knowledgeably. For food producers and retailers, adhering to the Disclosure Standard is crucial for regulatory compliance and building consumer trust.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the full text of the final rule and related documents available on the USDA website and the Federal Register. The USDA also provides ongoing outreach and educational materials to help both consumers and industry stakeholders understand bioengineered foods and the Disclosure Standard.
