GMO (genetically modified organisms)

organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does could not occur naturally. GM foods are developed and marketed because there is some perceived advantage to either producers or consumers. Companies that produce GM foods believe/say that genetic modification can result in increased production of foods as well as crops that have higher nutritional value. Concerns by anti-GMO activists in regard to human health:

• potential to cause allergic reactions
• potential gene transfer to human bacteria
• potential toxicity

Environmental concerns include:

• potential effects on ecological systems and their stability in the environment
• risk that engineered genes could be introduced into wild populations, harming beneficial species and reducing biodiversity [21]