New Food Labels to GMO's
Starting Jan. 1, labels at the grocery store are about to get a makeover on foods that have been genetically modified.
The new rule requires food manufacturers, importers and retailers to disclose information whether foods are bioengineered or use bioengineered ingredients, doing away with well-established terms like “genetically engineered” and “GMO” on labels. However, other kinds of official certifications like USDA Organic and NON-GMO Project Verified will be allowed.
What is a bioengineered food?
A “bioengineered” plant or animal has had a new gene inserted into it to give it a useful trait, like making it resistant to a pest or disease, or enhancing its nutritional value. “Contains bioengineered food ingredients” means that at least one ingredient in the food — the soy protein in a plant-based burger, for instance — contains DNA from a new gene.
At this time, only a handful of foods on the market are bioengineered, including some apples, canola, corn, eggplants, papayas, pineapples, potatoes and salmon. Most fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds and beans don’t have a genetically modified version.
