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Genetically Modified Foods: GM Food List and GMO Facts

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 22 Sep 2009 - Updated: 3 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information explains what genetically modified foods are, how they are produced, and where they turn up in the everyday food supply, drawing on definitions from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration alongside a long, practical list of GM crops and the products made from them.

Key facts include the scale of adoption in the United States, where roughly 85 percent of corn, 91 percent of soybeans, and 88 percent of cotton have been genetically engineered and about 75 percent of processed foods on store shelves carry at least one GM ingredient, plus the sharp contrast between American labeling practice and the mandatory disclosure rules used in the European Union, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. It affects anyone who buys packaged groceries, but it carries extra weight for people managing food allergies, autoimmune conditions, or restricted diets, for seniors reading small-print ingredient panels, and for caregivers who shop on someone else's behalf and need to know that vegetable oils, corn-derived sweeteners, soy lecithin, vitamin supplements, and even honey and dairy can trace back to engineered crops or GM feed.

Why it matters is straightforward: labeling gaps limit informed choice, and the article documents real-world consequences rather than speculation, including the 1996 splicing of Brazil nut genes into soybeans that raised anaphylaxis concerns, the withdrawal of GM peas after tests showed allergic lung damage in mice, contamination of U.S. rice exports in 2006, and the Percy Schmeiser canola dispute that showed how patented genes can spread into fields that never bought the seed. The main findings sit with that documented record, the itemized crop-by-crop breakdown covering everything from rapeseed and Bt cotton to papaya, radicchio, tobacco, and sugar beets, and the balanced presentation of both sides, pairing the case for disease-resistant and nutrient-enhanced crops against criticisms from Greenpeace, geneticist David Suzuki, and food safety professor Richard Lacey, which together give readers a factual, well-sourced foundation for deciding what they want on their own plates.

At a Glance

Topic Definition

Genetically Modified Food

Genetically modified food is any food produced from a plant, animal, or microorganism whose DNA has been deliberately altered in a laboratory rather than through conventional breeding, most often by inserting a gene taken from an unrelated organism to add a trait such as herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, slower ripening, or added nutrients. The same products are also described as genetically engineered, transgenic, or bioengineered, and the underlying method is known as recombinant DNA technology. In practice, most genetically modified food reaches shoppers indirectly, through commodity crops such as corn, soybeans, canola, cotton, and sugar beets that are pressed into oils, starches, syrups, and sweeteners, or fed to livestock that supply meat and dairy. A smaller number of whole foods, among them papaya, summer squash, certain potatoes, and some apples, are sold in genetically modified varieties. Disclosure rules differ sharply by country, which is why the same ingredient may be labeled in one market and unlabeled in another.

Overview

in the United States, 85% of corn, 91% of soybeans and 88% of cotton are currently genetically engineered. Plus, 75% of processed foods on supermarket shelves contain some genetically engineered (GE) food products. Consumers across the United States are getting anxious about the safety of genetically modified foods. This awareness comes as no surprise as it is yet to be proven safe. In 1998, even the U.S. FDA admitted in court saying it has made "no dis-positive scientific findings," about the safety of genetically engineered foods...

Genetically Modified Food is defined as food items that has had their DNA changed through genetic engineering. Unlike conventional genetic modification that is carried out through time-tested conventional breeding of plants and animals. Combining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology, and the resulting organism is said to be "genetically modified," "genetically engineered," or "transgenic". GM products include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds, and fibers.

Genetic Modification of Food is Not New

For centuries, food crops and animals have been altered through selective breeding. While genes can be transferred during selective breeding, the scope for exchanging genetic material is much wider using genetic engineering. In theory, genetic engineering allows genetic material to be transferred between any organism, including between plants and animals. For example, the gene from a fish that lives in very cold seas has been inserted into a strawberry, allowing the fruit to be frost-tolerant.

By far the most common genetically modified (GM) organisms are crop plants. But the technology has now been applied to almost all forms of life, from pets that glow under UV light to bacteria which form HIV blocking "living condoms" and from pigs bearing spinach genes to goats that produce spider silk.

When Did Genetically Modified Foods Originate?

Between 1997 and 1999, gene-modified (GM) ingredients suddenly appeared in 2/3rds of all US processed foods. This food alteration was fueled by a single Supreme Court ruling. It allowed, for the first time, the patenting of life forms for commercialization. Since then thousands of applications for experimental GM organisms have been filed with the US Patent Office alone, and many more abroad.

The first commercially grown genetically modified whole food crop was the tomato (called Flavr Savr), which was made more resistant to rotting by Californian company Calgene. The tomatoes were released into the market in 1994 without any special labeling.

In February 1996, J. Sainsbury and Safeway Stores in the United Kingdom introduced Europe's first genetically-modified food product. A variant of the Flavr Savr was used by Zeneca to produce tomato paste which was sold in Europe during the summer of 1996. Following GM crops included insect resistant cotton and herbicide-tolerant soybeans both of which were commercially available in 1996.

In 2003, countries that grew 99 % of the global transgenic crops were the United States (63 %), Argentina (21 %), Canada (6 %), Brazil (4 %), China (4 %), and South Africa (1 %) and today the Grocery Manufacturers of America estimate that 75 % of all processed foods in the U.S. contain a GM ingredient.

Between 1995 and 2005, the total surface area of land cultivated with GMOs had increased by a factor of 50, from 17,000 km2 (4.2 million acres) to 900,000 km2 (222 million acres), of which 55 percent were in Brazil.

In the US, by 2006 89 % of the planted area of soybeans, 83 % of cotton, and 61 % maize were genetically modified varieties.

Today many Gmod crops are grown in North America. India has also come aboard the bandwagon in 2002 with a rapid and continuing expansion of GM cotton varieties.

"Genetic engineering is inherently dangerous, because it greatly expands the scope for horizontal gene transfer and recombination, precisely the processes that create new viruses and bacteria that cause disease epidemics, and trigger cancer in cells." - Dr. Mae-Wan Ho.

Genetically Modified Food Debates

Genetically modified foods, or GM foods, are often mentioned in the news lately. European environmental organizations and public interest groups have been actively protesting against GM foods since they were first created, and recent controversial studies about the effects of genetically modified corn pollen on monarch butterfly caterpillars have brought the issues of genetic engineering plants and animals to the attention of the public.

The benefits of genetically modified food crops include being able to breed disease resistant crops and herbicide tolerant strains. Genetically modified crops can also be made to include vitamins that may be lacking in some staple varieties.

According to the UK Greenpeace website - The introduction of genetically modified (GM) food and crops has been a disaster. The science of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another was supposed to be a giant leap forward, but instead they pose a serious threat to biodiversity and our own health. In addition, the real reason for their development has not been to end world hunger but to increase the stranglehold multinational biotech companies already have on food production. And - The simple truth is, we don't need GM technology in order to possess future food security. Using sustainable and organic farming methods will allow us to repair the damage done by industrial farming, reducing the excessive use of fertilizer, herbicides and other man-made chemicals, and making GM crops redundant.

Many scientists argue that there is more than enough food in the world and that the hunger crisis is caused by problems in food distribution and politics, not production, so people should not be offered food that may carry some degree of risk.

Activists are opposed to genetic engineering as with current recombinant technology there is no way to ensure that genetically modified organisms will remain under control, plus the use of this technology outside secure laboratory environments represents multiple unacceptable risks to both farmed and wild ecosystems.

In 1996, Brazil nut genes were spliced into soybeans by a company called Pioneer Hi-Bred. Some individuals, however, are so allergic to this nut, they go into anaphylactic shock (similar to a severe bee sting reaction) which can cause death.

Many opponents of current genetic engineering realize that the increasing use of GM in crops has caused a power shift in agriculture towards Biotechnology companies, which are gaining more control over the production chain of crops and food, and over the farmers that use their products, as well.

In 1989, dozens of Americans died and several thousands were afflicted and impaired by a genetically altered version of the food supplement - L-tryptophan. A settlement of $2 billion dollars was paid by Showa Denko, Japan's third largest chemical company. (Mayeno and Gleich, 1994).

On August 18, 2006, American exports of rice to Europe were interrupted when much of the U.S. crop was confirmed to be contaminated with unapproved engineered genes, possibly due to accidental cross-pollination with conventional crops.

In 1998, 95-98 percent of about 10 km2 planted with canola by Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser were found to contain Monsanto's patented Roundup Ready gene although Schmeiser had never purchased seed from the Monsanto company. Monsanto then sued Schmeiser for piracy. In the past few years more and more crops have started to cross-pollinate which leaves a problem that is yet to be solved.

In 2005 Environmentalists say Australia faced "the most serious genetic contamination event" in its history, after the West Australian government confirmed low levels of genetically modified canola had been found in non-GM canola. Also in 2005 a decade-long project to develop genetically modified peas with built-in pest-resistance has been abandoned after tests showed they caused allergic lung damage in mice.

"They're now turning those seeds into intellectual property, so they have a virtual lock on the seeds upon which we all depend for our food and survival." - Jeremy Rifkin

Genetically Modified Food Labels

In America, there's no need for labeling and this has resulted in a largely uninformed populace that is ingesting "gene-altered" food. In other parts of the world such as the European Union, Japan, Malaysia and Australia consumers demand labelling so they can exercise choice between foods that have genetically modified, conventional or organic origins. Since its implementation in April 2004, EU Regulation 1829/2003 (labeling of genetically modified food and feed) has caused both food and feed manufacturers in Europe as well as their overseas suppliers a great deal of concern.

All genetically modified foods intended for sale in Australia and New Zealand must undergo a safety evaluation by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), an independent government agency. FSANZ will not approve a GM food unless it is safe to eat. It is mandatory for GM foods to be identified on food labels in Australia and New Zealand. These requirements became law in December 2001 and were put in place by food ministers to assist consumers to purchase or avoid GM foods, depending on their own views and beliefs.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture says the industry faces huge losses if mandatory labelling is implemented. The fear is that consumers will see the labels as a warning and avoid these foods, and that food processors will reformulate their products to avoid GM foods rather than place labels. It also says labels will increase the price of foods produced and processed in Canada.

"The fact is, it is virtually impossible to even conceive of a testing procedure to assess the health effects of genetically engineered foods when introduced into the food chain, nor is there any valid nutritional or public interest reason for their introduction." Richard Lacey: Professor of Food Safety, Leeds University.

List of genetically modified foods

It's virtually impossible to provide a complete list of genetically modified food (GM food) in the United States because there aren't any laws for genetically modified crops! Some estimates say as many as 30,000 different products on grocery store shelves are "modified." That's largely because many processed foods contain soy. Half of North America's soy crop is genetically engineered!

GM Safety

How can the public make informed decisions about genetically modified (GM) foods when there is so little information about its safety? According to the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are over 40 plant varieties that have completed all of the federal requirements for commercialization. Future planned applications of GMOs are diverse and may include drugs in foods, for example, bananas that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, metabolically engineered fish that mature more quickly, fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier, and plants that produce new plastics with unique properties.

"History has many records of crimes against humanity, which were also justified by dominant commercial interests and governments of the day. Despite protests from citizens, social justice for the common good was eroded in favor of private profits. Today, patenting of life forms and the genetic engineering which it stimulates, is being justified on the grounds that it will benefit society, especially the poor, by providing better and more food and medicine. But in fact, by monopolizing the 'raw' biological materials, the development of other options is deliberately blocked. Farmers therefore, become totally dependent on the corporations for seeds." - Professor Wangari Mathai.

"Any politician or scientist who tells you these products are safe is either very stupid or lying. The hazards of these foods are uncertain. In view of our enormous ignorance, the premature application of biotechnology is downright dangerous." - David Suzuki, CC, OBC, Ph.D LLD, Geneticist.

UPDATE: California Proposition 37 : Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food:

Proposition 37, a Mandatory Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food Initiative, is on the November 6, 2012 ballot in California as an initiated state statute.

Proposition 37 requires labeling of food sold to consumers made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways and prohibits marketing such food, or other processed food, as "natural."

The Right to Know Genetically Modified Food Act, a piece of state legislation if passed in November would require GMO-containing products to disclose that on labels, and make California the first state to mandate genetically modified food.

A recent poll showed that nearly 2/3rds of California voters favored Proposition 37.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can shoppers avoid genetically modified ingredients

The most reliable approach is to buy foods that carry a certified organic seal or a verified non-GMO seal, since both standards exclude genetically engineered inputs. Choosing whole, single-ingredient foods and checking for corn, soy, canola, cottonseed, and sugar beet derivatives also reduces exposure.

Does the United States require any GMO disclosure on food labels

Yes. Under the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which became mandatory in January 2022, covered foods containing detectable modified genetic material must be identified with the term bioengineered, a symbol, a text message option, or a scannable code.

Are organic foods allowed to contain GMOs

No. Certified organic standards in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Australia prohibit the intentional use of genetically engineered seed, ingredients, or feed. Accidental drift or cross-pollination can still occur, so organic certification reflects the production process rather than a guaranteed test result.

What is the difference between gene editing and genetic modification

Traditional genetic modification usually inserts genetic material from another species into an organism, while gene editing tools such as CRISPR make targeted changes to the organism own DNA without necessarily adding foreign genes. Because of that distinction, several countries regulate edited crops more loosely than transgenic ones.

Do genetically modified foods differ in nutritional value

Most commercial GM crops were engineered for agronomic traits like pest and herbicide tolerance, so their nutrient profiles are broadly similar to conventional versions. A few varieties were designed specifically to change nutrition, such as rice enriched with beta carotene and soybeans altered to produce a more stable oil.

Which countries restrict or ban the cultivation of GM crops

Cultivation is limited or prohibited in many nations, including a number of European Union member states that opted out of growing approved varieties, along with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and several African and Middle Eastern states. Import rules are often separate, so a country may ban planting while still allowing GM animal feed.

Are there genetically modified animals approved as food

Yes, although very few exist. A fast-growing AquAdvantage salmon was cleared for sale in the United States and Canada, and gene-edited cattle and pigs have received limited approvals, while most animal products on the market come from conventional animals raised on GM feed.

Does cooking or processing remove modified DNA from food

Heat, refining, and fermentation break DNA into fragments, which is why highly refined products such as soybean oil and corn syrup often contain no detectable modified genetic material. That is also why some labeling regimes exempt refined ingredients even though the source crop was genetically engineered.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The debate captured here has moved on in important ways since these events, and the direction of travel favors consumers who want to know what they are eating. California's Proposition 37 ultimately failed at the ballot box in November 2012, yet the pressure it generated helped produce the federal National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which became mandatory in January 2022 and now requires covered foods with detectable modified genetic material to say so on the package, through a symbol, a text option, or a scannable code. That shift matters most to shoppers who previously had no way to tell, and it means the older complaint about a wholly unlabeled American food supply now needs qualifying, though refined ingredients such as soybean oil and corn syrup are commonly exempt because processing destroys the DNA that testing looks for.

Readers should also note that gene editing with tools like CRISPR has largely overtaken older transgenic methods in new product development, and because editing alters an organism's own genome rather than importing genes from another species, many countries regulate it under looser rules, which creates a fresh transparency question much like the one described above.

For anyone with a disability, a chronic illness, or a food allergy, the practical takeaway is that certified organic and verified non-GMO seals remain the clearest shortcuts on a crowded label, national rules vary enough that imported goods may follow different standards, and a pharmacist, dietitian, or physician is the right person to consult about any specific dietary concern rather than the marketing copy on the front of the box.

Ian C. Langtree Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability, a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his .

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<a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/gm-foods.php">Genetically Modified Foods: GM Food List and GMO Facts</a>: Information on genetically modified foods, including a list of GM crops, DNA changes, labeling rules by country, and the pros and cons of GMO food safety.

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