Understanding Food Regulation and GMO Oversight in the U.S.
Food regulation is far more complex than many people realize. It encompasses the entire journey of food—from its origin to your plate. This includes how food is produced, processed, transported, labeled, and sold. The goal of food regulation is to ensure that the food we eat is safe, accurately labeled, and of high quality. Every country has its own food regulatory system, though the standards and enforcement can vary widely.
The Role of Food Labels
Labeling is just one part of food regulation, but it receives significant attention because it directly affects consumer choice. Labels help people understand what’s in their food and make informed decisions. In the U.S., any food sold across state lines must comply with federal labeling laws, while local products (like those at a farmer’s market) may be subject only to state regulations.
Labels must be truthful and not misleading. They are regulated and enforced by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Foods that don’t meet federal standards may be considered misbranded and subject to recall.
Labels typically include:
- The identity of the food
- Net quantity
- Cooking instructions
- Serving size
- Allergen warnings
- Nutrition facts
These details help consumers make health-conscious decisions. For example, sodium content relates to hypertension, calcium to bone health, and iron to anemia. Because of the complexity and cost of regulatory compliance, labels focus on the most essential information.
Regulation of Genetically Modified and Bioengineered Foods
In the U.S., the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), now often referred to as bioengineered foods, is shared among three federal agencies under the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology:
- USDA – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Oversees the environmental safety of genetically engineered plants. APHIS ensures that these organisms do not pose a risk to other plants or agriculture and regulates their import, handling, movement, and disposal. - EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
Regulates pesticides, including plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), substances produced by GMO crops to resist pests. The EPA sets tolerance levels for pesticide residues in food and feed under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. - FDA – Food and Drug Administration
Ensures the safety and proper labeling of all foods, including those derived from genetically engineered sources. The FDA’s Plant Biotechnology Consultation Program evaluates new GMO foods before they enter the market.
Bioengineered Food Disclosure
As of January 2022, the USDA requires certain foods to be labeled as bioengineered if they contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through lab techniques. This labeling requirement is part of the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which replaced the term “GMO” on food labels with “bioengineered.”
References
https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmos-are-regulated-united-states
Updated June 2025