What are GMOs?

DOWNLOAD

September 27, 2020 - MSU Extension

A genetically modified organism, or GMO, is a plant, animal, or other organism that has had a gene from another organism transferred into it as an addition or a replacement. The goal of the new gene is to produce a helpful trait or characteristic in the modified organism, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, or improved nutritional value. Conventional breeding lacks this kind of precise control.
What foods are considered GMOs?
By 2019, federal regulators had approved 11 GMO crops for sale in the United States.

  • Corn (field and sweet)
  • Soybeans
  • Cotton
  • Alfalfa
  • Sugar beets
  • Canola
  • Papaya
  • Summer squash
  • Innate potatoes
  • Pink pineapple
  • Non-browning Arctic apples

DOWNLOAD FILE

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • animal agriculture,
  • consumer info,
  • gentically modified organism,
  • gmo

Events

News

Resources

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).