What are GMOs?

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms (plants and animals) that have altered genetic material. The DNA of these organisms is changed using modern biotechnology. Essentially what the process does is take a specific gene from one organism and implant that gene into a completely different organism. These alterations are things that do not naturally occur to these organisms in the environment  (World Health Organization, 2014). The use of genetically modified (GM) crops has been banned in over sixty countries because they have been deemed unsafe by those countries ("GMO Facts", 2014). However, the use of GM crops is allowed in the United States under extensive surveillance and regulation. (Key, Ma, & Drake, 2008).

Common GM crops include:

• Soy
• Cotton
• Corn
• Alfalfa
• Sugar beets
• Squash

However, most GMOs are used to produce ingredients such as

• Amino Acids 
• Aspartame
• Ascorbic Acid
• Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate
• Natural and Artificial Flavorings 
• High Fructose Corn Syrup, 
• Maltodextrin
• Xanthan Gum
• Yeast Products

The first GM crop to be sold commercially is the Favr Savor tomato. (Bruening & Lyons, 2000). The genes of the tomato were altered to reduce the production of polygalacturonase, which is an enzyme that is responsible for softening fruits. The point being, the tomato would stay firmer for a longer period of time. However, Favr Savr tomatoes were never profitable because they were too expensive to produce and distribute. 

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