GMO labeling

Foods that previously were labeled as containing "genetically engineered" (GE) ingredients or "genetically modified organisms" (GMOs) are now labeled as "bioengineered," or come with a phone number or QR code guiding consumers to more information online.

The changes are part of the USDA's new rules on controversial modified crops and ingredients.

Previous labeling requirements were governed differently on a state-by-state basis. By providing a uniform, national standard for labeling bioengineered foods, "it avoids a patchwork of state labeling regulations," a USDA spokeswoman said in a statement.

Food products will either have a round green label that says "bioengineered" or "derived from bioengineering," or a label that will list a phone number to call or text for more information, or a QR code that takes you to an online disclosure.

- If a food package doesn't have a QR code or "BE" food label, is it free from genetically modified ingredients?

Not necessarily, and here's where the loopholes come in, food advocates say.

Under the new rule, a food does not contain genetic material if the genetic material is not "detectable". If one or more of a food's ingredients comes from a modified plant but the ingredients themselves contain no DNA from that plant, the label may carry a "derived from bioengineering" disclosure.

The USDA has built in some wiggle room too, setting a threshold at 5% for the "unintended" presence of genetically engineered ingredients, so highly processed foods made from genetically engineered crops - like sodas, candies and cooking oils - would be exempt from the rules, if they fit under that 5% threshold.

The European Union's standard is about five times lower, at 0.9%.

"Consumers are left not knowing if it's not present or if a food company just chose not to disclose,"