GMOs explained



Learn more about their purpose and safety

The scoop on GMOs


Many consumers are curious to learn more about the purpose and safety of GMOs.

“GMO” is a common term used to describe foods made from organisms (plants, microorganisms and animals) that have been created using technology called genetic engineering. Genetic engineering allows scientists to copy a gene with a desired trait from one organism and put it into another.

Purpose of GMOs

Humans have modified crops and animals to suit their needs and tastes for thousands of years. Crossbreeding, selective breeding and mutation breeding are examples of traditional ways to make these genetic changes, and they have been used to create crops like modern corn varieties and seedless watermelon. These methods often involve mixing all the genes from two different sources. For example, today’s strawberries are a cross between a strawberry species native to North America and a strawberry species native to South America.

Modern technology allows scientists to use genetic engineering to take a specific beneficial gene, like insect resistance or drought tolerance, and transfer it into a plant without also transferring undesirable genes, which sometimes occurs in traditional plant breeding. The reasons for genetic modification today are similar to what they were thousands of years ago: higher crop yields, less crop loss, longer storage life, better appearance, better nutrition or a combination of these traits.

Some GMO plants have been modified to improve their nutritional value. An example is GMO soybeans with healthier oils – higher oleic acid – that can be used to replace oils containing trans fats. Scientists are continuing to look for new ways to develop foods with increased nutritional value and other useful traits.

Safety of GMOs

Multiple agencies within the United States government work to regulate GMOs, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each agency plays a part in ensuring GMOs are safe for human, plant and animal health. For example, the FDA makes sure foods from the GMOs it regulates meet the same safety standards as the non-GMO version. The three agencies also monitor the impact of GMOs on the environment.

READ MORE: Top 10 foods for growing bodies

Research shows GMO foods currently on the market are no more likely to cause allergic reactions than non-GMO versions of the same foods. Most food allergies are caused by allergens found in just nine foods: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, sesame, shellfish and fish.

The way GMOs are created allows scientists to know precisely which new proteins are produced in a plant. Scientists perform tests to make sure these new proteins are not allergens. This type of testing, called allergenicity testing, is always part of the process for developing GMOs. As part of this testing, developers consider whether any substances added to the food have characteristics of allergens, such as whether they come from an allergenic source.

Learn more about GMOs and their impact on your health at fda.gov/feedyourmind.

Updated Food Labeling

Certain types of GMOs have a disclosure that lets you know if the food is a bioengineered food. Bioengineered food is the term that Congress used to describe certain types of GMOs when they passed the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

The Standard establishes requirements for labeling foods that humans eat that are or may be bioengineered and defines bioengineered foods as those that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features) 


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Save a life from stroke

    Tips from the American Stroke Association

    Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – even young people. Despite being one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable – if you can control your risk factors. read more »
  • Take steps now to protect your vision

    Regular eye exams are the best thing you can do

    Your quality of life and overall well-being depend on developing healthy habits. These practices are essential to your eye health. read more »
  • How women experience heart disease differently

    Symptoms are not always obvious

    Most people think of heart attacks as debilitating pain in the chest. However, that’s not always the case, especially for women, and missing the signs can be a matter of life and death. read more »
  • Serve a simple pasta salad this summer

    A quick and easy dish your family will love

    Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. read more »
  • Combatting Cracked Concrete

    Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

    Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. read more »
  • A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Own Oil

    It's easier than you think

    Changing your vehicle’s oil is a crucial maintenance task that can extend its life and improve performance. It’s also a task many DIYers can handle on their own with just a few tools. read more »
  • Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Firepit

    Time to make a warm and inviting outdoor retreat

    A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. read more »
  • Phones Down, Eyes Up™

    Campaign to reduce distractions and increase water safety

    May’s National Water Safety Month, the campaign aims to reduce distractions and improve water safety awareness, specifically targeting families as they head to pools and waterfronts this summer. read more »
  • Enjoy a light summer lunch

    Make broccoli the star of this dish

    Try this broccoli salad. It makes an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. read more »
  • 2025 Free Fishing Days in New York State

    No freshwater fishing license required to fish on designated days

    Governor Kathy Hochul has announced designated Free Fishing Days in New York will take place on: June 28-29, September 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. read more »