Introduction

What is GMO?
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. They are plants, animals or bacteria that have one or few selected genes from other organisms introduced into them through the use of modern gene technology.

What is GM food?
Food that are derived from GMO or contain one or more GMO, are known as GM food.

Plants have been modified in the laboratory to create desired traits such as increased resistance to pesticides or improved nutritional content. Originally, food has been modified using the plant breeding method. However, this method is very time consuming and it does not produce accurate results. Thereby, Genetic Engineering is used. It helps to create plants with the exact trait rapidly and with high accuracy.

Reference
1. E To H On Food Safety. Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore. (24th March 2006) http://www.ava.gov.sg/FoodSector/FoodSafetyEducation/Food+Facts/E+to+H+on+Food+Safety/index.htm; accessed on 1st June 2008

2. Genetically Modified Foods: Helpful or Harmful? Deborah B. Whitman. (April 2000) http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php; accessed on 1st June 2008