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Bioengineered food ingredients explained simply on larosafoods.com help you navigate the world of food labeling. This guide breaks down the complexities of bioengineered foods, so you can make informed choices about what you eat and prepare delicious recipes. Understand food modification, genetic engineering, and more.

Table of Contents

• 1. What Is The Definition Of Bioengineered Food Ingredients?
• 2. What Does Bioengineered Food Ingredients Mean Under The NBFDS?
• 3. What Are Examples Of Bioengineered Foods?
• 4. Why Are Foods Bioengineered?
• 5. How To Identify Bioengineered Foods?
• 6. What Are The Labeling Requirements For Bioengineered Foods In The USA?
• 7. Are There Exemptions To The Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard?
• 8. How Is The List Of Bioengineered Foods Updated?
• 9. What About Animal Products?
• 10. How Bioengineered Food Ingredients Impact Foreign Trade?
• 11. What If A Food Does Not Have A Bioengineered Disclosure?
• 12. Bioengineered Food Ingredients: FAQs
• 13. Elevate Your Culinary Journey with larosafoods.com

1. What Is The Definition Of Bioengineered Food Ingredients?

Bioengineered food ingredients refer to foods that contain detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques. This modification couldn’t be achieved through conventional breeding or found in nature. In simpler terms, bioengineered foods have had their genetic makeup altered in a lab, using methods that wouldn’t occur naturally or through traditional farming practices.

This definition is crucial because it sets the foundation for understanding which foods require labeling under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) in the United States. The key is that the modification involves detectable genetic material and uses specific lab techniques.

2. What Does Bioengineered Food Ingredients Mean Under The NBFDS?

Under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), bioengineered food ingredients necessitate specific labeling to inform consumers about their presence in retail food products. This standard, managed by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), mandates that food manufacturers, importers, and certain retailers disclose whether foods for retail sale are bioengineered or contain bioengineered food ingredients. The primary goal is to enhance consumer awareness regarding their food choices.

The NBFDS defines bioengineered foods as those containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, which cannot be obtained via conventional breeding or found in nature. Essentially, this encompasses foods with genetic alterations made in a laboratory environment using methods not achievable through traditional agricultural practices.

Key Aspects of the NBFDS Definition:

• Detectability: The modified genetic material must be detectable in the food product.
• rDNA Techniques: The genetic modification must occur through in vitro recombinant DNA techniques.
• Non-Conventional: The modification cannot be achieved through traditional breeding methods or naturally occurring processes.

The NBFDS plays a vital role in ensuring transparency in the food industry. According to a study by the Pew Research Center in 2018, approximately 72% of Americans believe it is important to label genetically modified foods. By mandating disclosure, the NBFDS helps consumers make informed decisions aligned with their preferences and values.

Compliance and Enforcement

Regulated entities, including food manufacturers, importers, and retailers, are responsible for complying with the NBFDS. The compliance date was January 1, 2022, with a phased approach for smaller food manufacturers. The USDA monitors and enforces compliance, addressing violations through a complaint process.

Disclosure Methods

The NBFDS allows for several disclosure methods to provide flexibility for regulated entities:

• Text Label: A simple statement like “Bioengineered Food” or “Contains Bioengineered Food Ingredients” on the product label.
• Symbol: A USDA-approved symbol that indicates the presence of bioengineered ingredients.
• Electronic or Digital Link: A QR code or other digital link that consumers can scan to access more information about the bioengineered content.
• Text Message: For smaller packages, a text message option allows consumers to text a number for more information.

Impact on Consumers

The NBFDS empowers consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the foods they purchase and consume. By understanding what bioengineered food ingredients mean, consumers can align their dietary decisions with their personal values, health goals, and ethical considerations. Transparency in food labeling fosters trust between consumers and the food industry, enhancing overall consumer confidence in the food supply.

3. What Are Examples Of Bioengineered Foods?

A variety of foods have been bioengineered to enhance their characteristics, improve crop yields, or provide resistance to pests and diseases. Here’s a detailed list of bioengineered foods that are currently available in the market:

Common Bioengineered Foods

Food	Characteristic	Common Uses
Alfalfa	Herbicide tolerance	Animal feed, hay, silage
Apple (Arctic™ varieties)	Non-browning	Fresh consumption, processed products (e.g., apple slices, juice)
Canola	Herbicide tolerance	Canola oil, animal feed
Corn	Insect resistance, herbicide tolerance	Cornstarch, corn syrup, animal feed, processed foods
Cotton	Insect resistance, herbicide tolerance	Cottonseed oil, animal feed
Eggplant (BARI Bt Begun varieties)	Insect resistance	Fresh consumption, cooked dishes
Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties)	Virus resistance	Fresh consumption, processed products
Pineapple (pink fleshed varieties)	Pink flesh color	Fresh consumption, ornamental purposes
Potato	Insect resistance, reduced bruising, lower acrylamide potential	Fresh consumption, processed products (e.g., French fries, potato chips)
Salmon (AquAdvantage®)	Faster growth	Fresh consumption
Soybean	Herbicide tolerance	Soybean oil, soy flour, soy protein, animal feed, processed foods (e.g., tofu, soy sauce)
Summer Squash	Virus resistance	Fresh consumption, cooked dishes
Sugarbeet	Herbicide tolerance	Sugar production

This list encompasses a range of crops and products that have undergone bioengineering to enhance various traits. For instance, Arctic™ Apples are engineered not to brown when cut, making them more appealing for fresh consumption and reducing food waste. Similarly, AquAdvantage® Salmon grows faster than wild salmon, potentially increasing production efficiency.

Processed Foods and Ingredients

It’s also crucial to recognize that many processed foods contain ingredients derived from bioengineered crops. Common examples include:

• Corn syrup and cornstarch (derived from bioengineered corn) used in beverages, snacks, and baked goods.
• Soy lecithin (derived from bioengineered soybeans) used as an emulsifier in many processed foods.
• Canola oil (derived from bioengineered canola) used in cooking oils and processed foods.
• Sugar (derived from bioengineered sugar beets) used in a wide variety of foods and beverages.

Highly Refined Ingredients

Highly refined ingredients derived from bioengineered crops may not require labeling if the refining process removes all detectable modified genetic material. For example, highly refined soybean oil may not need a bioengineered food disclosure.

According to the USDA, regulated entities are responsible for determining whether their products require a bioengineered food disclosure. They can do this by:

• Maintaining records to verify that the food is sourced from a non-bioengineered crop.
• Using records to verify that a food has been subjected to a refining process that has been validated to render modified genetic material undetectable.
• Maintaining certificates of analysis or other testing records appropriate to a specific food that confirm the absence of detectable modified genetic material.

4. Why Are Foods Bioengineered?

Foods are bioengineered for a multitude of reasons, primarily aimed at improving agricultural practices, enhancing nutritional value, and ensuring food security. These modifications can lead to significant benefits for both producers and consumers.

Enhancing Crop Production

One of the primary reasons for bioengineering foods is to enhance crop production. This can be achieved through several means:

• Pest Resistance: Bioengineering can introduce genes that make crops resistant to specific pests. For example, Bt corn contains a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces a protein toxic to certain insects. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides, lowering costs and minimizing environmental impact.
• Herbicide Tolerance: Some crops are engineered to tolerate specific herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds more effectively without harming the crop. Roundup Ready soybeans, for instance, are resistant to glyphosate, a common herbicide.
• Disease Resistance: Bioengineering can also protect crops from viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases. The ringspot virus-resistant papaya is a notable example, saving the Hawaiian papaya industry from devastation.

Improving Nutritional Value

Bioengineering is also used to enhance the nutritional content of foods.

• Golden Rice: A well-known example is Golden Rice, which is engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A. This can help combat Vitamin A deficiency in regions where rice is a staple food.
• Enhanced Nutrient Content: Other crops are being developed to have higher levels of essential nutrients, such as iron or zinc, to address malnutrition issues.

Increasing Efficiency and Sustainability

• Higher Yields: Bioengineered crops often have higher yields compared to their conventional counterparts. This means more food can be produced on the same amount of land, helping to meet the growing global demand for food.
• Reduced Water Usage: Some bioengineered crops are designed to be more drought-resistant, reducing the need for irrigation and conserving water resources.
• Lower Environmental Impact: By reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides, bioengineering can contribute to a lower environmental impact. Additionally, crops that require less water and fertilizer can further minimize agriculture’s ecological footprint.
• Extended Shelf Life: Certain bioengineered foods, like the Arctic™ Apple, have an extended shelf life due to their non-browning properties, reducing food waste.

Adapting to Climate Change

As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture, bioengineering can play a role in developing crops that are better suited to changing environmental conditions.

• Drought Resistance: Crops engineered to withstand drought conditions can help ensure food security in regions facing water scarcity.
• Heat Tolerance: Similarly, crops that can tolerate higher temperatures can help maintain yields in areas affected by rising temperatures.
• Salt Tolerance: In coastal regions where soil salinity is an issue, bioengineered crops that can tolerate high salt levels can help maintain agricultural productivity.

5. How To Identify Bioengineered Foods?

Identifying bioengineered foods involves understanding labeling requirements, looking for specific disclosures, and staying informed about common bioengineered crops and ingredients. With the implementation of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), consumers have several tools at their disposal to make informed choices.

Understanding Labeling Requirements

The NBFDS mandates that foods containing bioengineered ingredients be labeled with a disclosure. This disclosure can take several forms:

• Text Label: A statement such as “Bioengineered Food” or “Contains Bioengineered Food Ingredients.”
• Symbol: A USDA-approved symbol that indicates the presence of bioengineered ingredients.
• Electronic or Digital Link: A QR code or other digital link that consumers can scan to access more information about the bioengineered content.
• Text Message: For smaller packages, a text message option allows consumers to text a number for more information.

Looking for Disclosures

When shopping for food, carefully examine the product labels for any of the above disclosures. The disclosure must be conspicuous and easy to find on the packaging.

Familiarizing Yourself with Common Bioengineered Crops

Knowing which crops are commonly bioengineered can help you identify potential sources of bioengineered ingredients in processed foods. Key crops to watch out for include:

• Corn
• Soybeans
• Canola
• Sugar Beets
• Alfalfa
• Cotton
• Apples (Arctic™ varieties)
• Papaya (ringspot virus-resistant varieties)
• Potatoes
• Summer Squash

Checking Ingredient Lists

Processed foods often contain ingredients derived from bioengineered crops. When examining ingredient lists, look for common derivatives such as:

• Corn syrup
• Cornstarch
• Soy lecithin
• Canola oil
• Sugar (derived from sugar beets)

Using Digital Tools and Apps

Several mobile apps and online resources can help you identify bioengineered foods. These tools allow you to scan product barcodes or search for specific ingredients to determine if a product contains bioengineered ingredients.

Staying Informed

Keep up-to-date with the latest information on bioengineered foods and labeling requirements by following reputable sources such as:

• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS): The AMS website provides detailed information about the NBFDS, including the list of bioengineered foods, labeling guidelines, and compliance information.
• Academic Institutions: Universities and research institutions often conduct studies on bioengineered foods and their impact on health and the environment.
• Consumer Advocacy Groups: Organizations dedicated to food transparency and consumer rights provide valuable insights into labeling practices and food policy.

Understanding Exemptions

Be aware that certain foods may be exempt from bioengineered labeling requirements. These include:

• Foods served in restaurants and similar retail food establishments: This exemption applies to foods intended for immediate consumption, such as meals prepared in restaurants.
• Very small food manufacturers: Manufacturers with annual receipts of less than $2,500,000 are exempt from the NBFDS.
• Foods where bioengineered content is inadvertent or technically unavoidable: Foods where no ingredient intentionally contains a bioengineered substance, with an allowance for inadvertent or technically unavoidable bioengineered presence of up to five percent for each ingredient, are exempt.

6. What Are The Labeling Requirements For Bioengineered Foods In The USA?

In the USA, the labeling of bioengineered foods is governed by the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), established by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The NBFDS aims to provide consumers with information about foods that contain bioengineered ingredients, allowing them to make informed purchasing decisions.

Who Must Comply?

The NBFDS applies to regulated entities, which include:

• Food Manufacturers: Companies that manufacture food products for retail sale.
• Importers: Entities that import food products into the United States for retail sale.
• Certain Retailers: Retailers who package and label foods for retail sale.

What Foods Require Labeling?

The NBFDS requires disclosure for foods that are or contain bioengineered (BE) food ingredients. According to the USDA, bioengineered foods are defined as those that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques and for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature.

Disclosure Options

The NBFDS provides several options for disclosing the presence of bioengineered ingredients:

• Text Label: Regulated entities can use a text label stating “Bioengineered Food” or “Contains Bioengineered Food Ingredients.” This is a straightforward method that clearly informs consumers about the presence of BE ingredients.
• Symbol: The USDA has developed an official bioengineered food symbol that regulated entities can use on their product labels. The symbol features a stylized image of the earth with a seedling emerging from it, accompanied by the word “Bioengineered.”
• Electronic or Digital Link (QR Code): Regulated entities can use a QR code or other digital link on the product label that consumers can scan with their smartphones to access more information about the bioengineered content. This option allows for more detailed information to be provided beyond what can fit on a physical label.
• Text Message: For small food manufacturers and small packages, the NBFDS allows for a text message disclosure option. Consumers can text a number provided on the label to receive information about the bioengineered content of the product.

Placement and Conspicuousness

The disclosure must be placed prominently on the product label to ensure that it is easily noticeable by consumers. The NBFDS specifies requirements for the font size, color, and placement of the disclosure to ensure its conspicuousness.

Exemptions

Certain foods are exempt from the NBFDS labeling requirements:

• Foods Served in Restaurants: Foods served in restaurants, cafeterias, and similar retail food establishments are exempt from the NBFDS.
• Small Food Manufacturers: Very small food manufacturers with annual receipts of less than $2,500,000 are exempt from the NBFDS.
• Foods with Inadvertent or Technically Unavoidable Bioengineered Presence: Foods in which no ingredient intentionally contains a bioengineered substance, with an allowance for inadvertent or technically unavoidable bioengineered presence of up to five percent for each ingredient, are exempt.
• Animal Feed: Food produced from an animal fed bioengineered feed is not considered a bioengineered food solely because the animal ate bioengineered feed.
• Alcohol: Certain alcoholic beverages are not subject to the labeling requirements of the FDCA and are therefore exempt from the NBFDS. This includes beverage spirits, malt beverages, and wine products containing at least 7% alcohol by volume (abv) and no more than 24% abv.

Enforcement

The USDA AMS is responsible for enforcing the NBFDS. The agency monitors compliance through audits, investigations, and a complaint process. If a regulated entity is found to be in violation of the NBFDS, the USDA can take enforcement actions, including issuing warnings, assessing civil penalties, and requiring corrective actions.

7. Are There Exemptions To The Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard?

Yes, there are several exemptions to the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) in the United States. These exemptions are designed to address specific circumstances and practical considerations within the food industry. Understanding these exemptions is essential for both consumers and regulated entities to ensure compliance and informed decision-making.

Foods Served in Restaurants and Similar Retail Food Establishments

One of the primary exemptions to the NBFDS is for foods served in restaurants and similar retail food establishments. This exemption includes:

• Restaurants
• Cafeterias
• Food trucks
• Airplanes
• Similar establishments that prepare and serve food for immediate consumption

The rationale behind this exemption is that foods served in these establishments are typically consumed immediately and are not subject to the same labeling requirements as packaged foods sold in retail stores.

Very Small Food Manufacturers

The NBFDS includes an exemption for very small food manufacturers, defined as those with annual receipts of less than $2,500,000. This exemption is intended to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses that may have limited resources for compliance.

Foods with Inadvertent or Technically Unavoidable Bioengineered Presence

The NBFDS includes an exemption for foods in which no ingredient intentionally contains a bioengineered substance, with an allowance for inadvertent or technically unavoidable bioengineered presence of up to five percent for each ingredient. This exemption recognizes the complexities of the supply chain and acknowledges that bioengineered and non-bioengineered foods may be harvested and processed using the same equipment.

To qualify for this exemption, regulated entities must maintain records demonstrating that they have taken reasonable precautions to avoid bioengineered presence and that any bioengineered presence is inadvertent or technically unavoidable.

Foods Produced from Animals Fed Bioengineered Feed

The NBFDS states that food produced from an animal fed bioengineered feed is not considered a bioengineered food solely because the animal ate bioengineered feed. This means that products such as meat, milk, and eggs from animals that have consumed bioengineered feed do not require a bioengineered food disclosure.

Alcoholic Beverages

Certain alcoholic beverages are exempt from the NBFDS because they are not subject to the labeling requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). This includes:

• All beverage spirits, malt beverages, and their products regardless of alcohol content
• Beverage wines and wine products containing at least 7% alcohol by volume (abv) and no more than 24% abv

However, other alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol that do not fall under the FAA Act jurisdiction are subject to the NBFDS, as they are subject to the labeling requirements of the FDCA. This includes:

• Non-beverage products (regardless of the alcohol base), such as salted cooking wines, cooking sprays, or vanilla extract
• Malted beverages that are made with other cereal grains and do not include barley with hops (e.g., only malted corn)
• Wines and wine products that are between 0% abv and 6.99% abv

Enzymes and Micro-Organisms

For foods not on the AMS List of Bioengineered Foods, like enzymes, yeasts, and other micro-organisms, if a regulated entity’s records demonstrate they have actual knowledge that they are using a bioengineered version of these foods, then they must make a disclosure. If there is no definitive knowledge that these ingredients are bioengineered, documentation is not required.

8. How Is The List Of Bioengineered Foods Updated?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains and updates the List of Bioengineered Foods (List) to reflect the current availability of bioengineered foods in the market. The List identifies bioengineered foods that are authorized for commercial production and in legal production somewhere in the world. It serves as a reference for regulated entities to determine which foods they must keep records for and which may require bioengineered disclosures.

Regular Reviews and Rulemaking

The USDA conducts annual reviews of the List and, as necessary, initiates rulemaking to amend it. This process ensures that the List remains current and accurate, reflecting the latest developments in bioengineered food production.

The USDA also outlines a rulemaking process to help determine whether there are certain “factors and conditions” that may exclude certain foods from being considered a bioengineered food. This process allows for flexibility in addressing emerging issues and scientific advancements related to bioengineered foods.

Coordination with Federal Agencies

Before updating the List, the USDA coordinates with other Federal regulatory agencies who regulate biotechnology. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive and consistent approach to the regulation of bioengineered foods.

Public Input

Public input is an integral part of the process for updating the List. The USDA invites ongoing public feedback on the List’s composition, allowing stakeholders to submit comments, data, and other relevant information. This transparency ensures that the List reflects a broad range of perspectives and scientific insights.

Criteria for Updating the List

The USDA updates the List based on several criteria, including:

• New Bioengineered Foods: When new bioengineered foods are authorized for commercial production and in legal production somewhere in the world, they are added to the List.
• Changes in Regulatory Status: If the regulatory status of a bioengineered food changes, such as if it is no longer authorized for commercial production, it is removed from the List.
• Scientific Advancements: The USDA considers scientific advancements and emerging information when updating the List, ensuring that it reflects the latest understanding of bioengineered foods.

Transparency and Accessibility

The USDA maintains a website with detailed information about the crops and foods on the List. This online resource includes details about specific varieties of crops and foods that have been bioengineered, helping regulated entities more easily identify foods for which disclosure may be necessary.

The USDA also provides information about the traits, varieties, and production information (i.e., location) of bioengineered foods on the List. This information helps regulated entities determine whether they need to make a bioengineered disclosure for their products.

9. What About Animal Products?

The question of whether animal products should be labeled as bioengineered if the animals consumed bioengineered feed is a complex one. The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) addresses this issue with a specific provision.

The NBFDS Position

According to the NBFDS, food produced from an animal fed bioengineered feed is not considered a bioengineered food solely because the animal ate bioengineered feed. This is explicitly stated in 7 CFR 66.5 of the Standard.

Implications

This provision means that products such as meat, milk, and eggs from animals that have consumed bioengineered feed are not required to be labeled as bioengineered under the NBFDS. For example, the milk from a cow that ate bioengineered alfalfa is not considered a bioengineered food just because the cow ate bioengineered alfalfa.

Rationale

The reasoning behind this decision is multifaceted:

• Complexity of Tracking: Tracking the feed of animals throughout their lives would be incredibly complex and costly.
• Transformation of Genetic Material: The digestion process in animals breaks down the genetic material in the feed, so the final product (meat, milk, eggs) does not contain the same detectable modified genetic material.

Alternative Claims

It’s important to note that while the NBFDS does not require labeling of animal products fed with bioengineered feed, it also addresses claims about the absence of bioengineering. A food may not be considered to be ‘not bioengineered,’ ‘non-GMO,’ or any other similar claim describing the absence of bioengineering in the food solely because the food is not required to bear a disclosure that the food is bioengineered.

The Standard, at 7 CFR 66.118, does allow other claims to be made about bioengineered foods, provided that such claims are consistent with applicable Federal law. In most cases, the use of absence claims such as “non-gmo” are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).

Consumer Perceptions

Consumer perceptions of animal products and bioengineered feed vary widely. Some consumers are concerned about the potential impacts of bioengineered feed on animal health and the safety of animal products, while others are less concerned. Understanding the NBFDS provision on animal products can help consumers make informed decisions based on their personal preferences and values.

10. How Bioengineered Food Ingredients Impact Foreign Trade?

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) has implications for foreign trade, as it sets labeling requirements for bioengineered foods sold in the United States, regardless of their origin.

Equal Requirements

The NBFDS places the same requirements on both domestic and foreign entities. This means that any food manufacturer or importer selling bioengineered foods in the U.S. market must comply with the NBFDS labeling requirements, regardless of whether the food was produced domestically or in a foreign country.

Minimizing Trade Disruption

The NBFDS is not intended to disrupt trade. During the rulemaking process, the USDA sought comment from all stakeholders regarding any unique issues associated with bioengineered food disclosure for imports. The proposed rule was notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and open for comments from trading partners.

Working with Trading Partners

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is prepared to work closely with countries who import food into the United States to help them understand the requirements of the NBFDS. This collaboration helps to ensure that foreign suppliers are aware of the U.S. labeling requirements and can comply with them effectively.

Potential Challenges

Despite the efforts to minimize trade disruption, the NBFDS may present certain challenges for foreign suppliers:

• Compliance Costs: Foreign suppliers may incur costs associated with complying with the NBFDS labeling requirements, such as modifying product labels and implementing tracking systems to identify bioengineered ingredients.
• Differing Standards: Some countries may have different labeling standards for bioengineered foods than the U.S. This can create confusion and require foreign suppliers to navigate multiple sets of regulations.
• Consumer Perceptions: Consumer perceptions of bioengineered foods vary across countries. Some consumers may be more accepting of bioengineered foods than others, which can impact demand for products that are labeled as bioengineered.

Importing and Distributing

If a regulated entity supplies product to a distributor who only distributes products to foodservice end users, the product manufactured by the regulated entity and sold by a distributor exclusively to a foodservice establishment does not require the BE disclosure, so long as that food is being served in a restaurant or similar retail food establishment.

Overall Impact

The NBFDS aims to strike a balance between providing consumers with information about bioengineered foods and minimizing disruptions to international trade. While the NBFDS may present some challenges for foreign suppliers, the USDA is committed to working with trading partners to ensure a smooth transition to the new labeling requirements.

11. What If A Food Does Not Have A Bioengineered Disclosure?

If you suspect that a food is bioengineered but does not include a bioengineered food disclosure as required by the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS), there are steps you can take to report it. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is responsible for enforcing the NBFDS, and they have established a process for handling complaints.

Filing a Complaint

Anybody who suspects a violation of the NBFDS may have occurred can file a written complaint with the AMS Administrator. The complaint can be submitted by mail or through the AMS website.

Information to Include in the Complaint

When filing a complaint, it’s important to provide as much information as possible to help the AMS investigate the potential violation. This information may include:

• Product Name: The name of the food product.
• Manufacturer: The name of the food manufacturer.
• Retailer: The name and location of the store where the product was purchased.
• Date of Purchase: The date on which the product was purchased.
• Reason for Suspicion: The reason why you suspect the product is bioengineered. This could be based on the presence of common bioengineered ingredients, such as corn, soybeans, or sugar beets, or any other relevant information.