Genetically modified foods, also known as genetically engineered foods or bioengineered foods, are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA using various methods of genetic engineering. A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. Foods produced from or using GM organisms are often referred to as GM foods.
The process of creating genetically modified foods involves determining a trait that is desired, such as resistance to insects, and then finding an animal, plant, or microorganism with that trait. The gene with that trait is then copied and inserted into the animal, plant, or microorganism. If the new GMO is successful, it is shared.
Most of the GMO crops grown in the United States are used for animal food, but some fresh fruits and vegetables are available in GMO varieties, including potatoes, summer squash, apples, papayas, and pink pineapples. Common ingredients in American diets, such as cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil, or granulated sugar, can also be made with GMO crops.
The safety of genetically modified foods has been a topic of debate, but leading health organizations such as the FDA and the World Health Organization say they are safe to eat.
