What does it mean when a food product is genetically modified?

If a food product is genetically modified, it means that it is the product of an organism (such as a plant) which has had its DNA changed. This includes techniques such as inserting a gene into an organism's DNA so that it will have a new trait.

For example, some corn crops have had a gene inserted into their DNA which makes them more resistant to herbicides and insect pests.

Genetic modification can be seen as 'unnatural' and therefore some people choose not to eat GM foods.