Navigating the new food labeling rules and what “BE” means for your health choices
Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, have been a hot topic for years. Now, you may start seeing a new term on your food labels: BioEngineered, or BE for short. What’s going on? GMO refers broadly to any plant, animal, or microorganism whose DNA has been changed in a lab using genetic engineering. BE is a newer term that specifically covers certain types of genetically modified foods under updated labeling laws. The tricky part: not all GMOs are BEs, but all BEs fall under the GMO umbrella. Confused yet? Don’t worry , I’m here to help you make sense of it all.
Since January 2022, the U.S. has enforced a law requiring BE labeling on foods containing detectable modified genetic material. That sounds straightforward, but it can actually make labels even more confusing for shoppers. For example, many products claim “no detectable GMOs.” But since heavily processed foods often don’t have intact DNA to test, that label doesn’t tell the full story. Sugars, cooking oils, and many packaged goods fall outside the BE labeling rules because they lack testable genetic material, even if derived from GMO crops.
Newer gene-editing methods like CRISPR (genetic editing) also complicate the picture. Foods created with these techniques often don’t require BE disclosure labels under current regulations. Additionally, GMO crops grown for livestock feed aren’t covered by the law, even though they indirectly impact our food supply through animal products.If avoiding GMOs is important to you, look for verified non-GMO or organic labels on meat, dairy, and eggs, as animal feed is a big factor. The bottom line? Keep an eye out for BE labels on food packaging, but remember there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to GMO disclosure. Staying informed will help you make the best choices for your health and peace of mind.