The bioengineered label replacing GMO claims has been in place for four months. Here’s what we know – Genetic Literacy Project

You may have recently noticed new labels on some of your food. As of January 1st, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires food companies to label their genetically-engineered foods as “bioengineered.”  What effect will this have on consumer acceptance of these products?Food labels create confusion over what’s considered “safe” and “healthy” food. They all represent different things, and some are just a clever way to increase the product’s price or reputation. So, what makes this “bioengineered” label special, and why is this change happening now? Let’s start by taking a look at the GMO label of the past.The ‘Non-GMO’ LabelThe Non-GMO Project, a nonprofit based in Bellingham, Washington, was created in 2007 and is responsible for the “non-GMO” butterfly label that we see on many of our foods. The premise is that consumers should know how their food was grown. However, in many cases, the non-GMO label has been used to influence the consumer’s thinking that GMOs are unhealthy and non-GMO is better for them.Fear is a great motivator and in this case, people were scared of harming their health by eating GMOs. This is similar to how many consumers associate organic as the only food choice for long-term health and sustainability
— Read on geneticliteracyproject.org/2022/05/05/the-bioengineered-label-replacing-gmo-claims-has-been-in-place-for-four-months-heres-what-we-know/