Genetically modified food

• Current controversies
• Animals
• Crops
• Fish
• Cloning
• Consumer health concerns
• GM and farmers
• GM and insects
• Regulatory loopholes
• Links and resources

Crops

Genetic modification of crops involves the laboratory-based transfer of DNA derived from living organisms into plants to endow them with desired traits, such as herbicide tolerance and insect resistance.

Biotech companies claim that GM crops have increased yields, are more nutritious, and more resilient to changing environmental conditions.

However, despite industry claims, there is not a single commercial GM crop with increased yield, drought-tolerance, salt-tolerance, or enhanced nutrition. In fact, many GM crops have failed and a new study reveals that GM crops require more pesticides and cannot alleviate poverty.

Commercialized GM crops are soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, papaya and squash. Soybeans and corn predominate (80% of corn and 92% of soybeans are now genetically modified) and are grown mainly for animal feed and biofuel.

The Center for Food Safety opposes GM crops. Read its position on GM corn (and its position on a recent recall of unapproved corn), rice (PDF), alfalfa, sugar beets (PDF), safflower (PDF), and plums (PDF).

See PCC's public policy statements about GM foods.