Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms, such as plants, animals, or microorganisms, in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The technology used to create GMOs is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology,” and it allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, even between nonrelated species. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods.
Many common foods and food products contain ingredients that come from GMO crops, such as cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, or granulated sugar. Some fresh fruits and vegetables are also available in GMO varieties, including potatoes, summer squash, apples, papayas, and pink pineapples. However, most of the GMO crops grown in the United States are used for animal food.
The safety of GM foods has been a topic of debate, but leading health organizations such as the FDA and the World Health Organization have stated that they are safe to eat. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for the migration of genes from GM plants into conventional crops or related species in the wild, as well as the mixing of crops derived from conventional seeds with GM crops, which may have an indirect effect on food safety and food security.
In summary, GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally, and GM foods are foods produced from or using GM organisms. Many common foods and food products contain ingredients that come from GMO crops, and the safety of GM foods has been a topic of debate.
