what is bioengineered food ingredients

Bioengineered food ingredients are those that contain genetic material that has been modified through certain laboratory techniques and for which the modification could not be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. Bioengineered foods must contain detectable modified genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) techniques and for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. Examples of bioengineered foods include corn, canola, cotton, and soybeans. The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard requires food manufacturers, importers, and certain retailers to disclose information about whether food offered for retail sale is bioengineered or uses bioengineered food ingredients. The disclosure can be made through text, symbol, electronic or digital link, or phone number. Bioengineered food labels are for marketing purposes and do not convey any information about the health, safety, or environmental attributes of that food compared to non-bioengineered counterparts.