Genetically modified crops combine genes from different organisms, which would otherwise never breed naturally. New varieties are being created using genetic material from different plants, animals and even bacteria to produce new characteristics.
There are conflicting opinions about the benefits and drawbacks of GM foods. Some GM crops are resistant to certain diseases and can offer possibilities for the advancement of food production and research. There are also some potential dangers to this technology, with unknown impacts on human health, food safety, wildlife and the environment. There is currently no obligation to test all of these effects before the product is released into the environment or into supermarkets.
It can be possible for GM crops to breed with GM-free crops, which may threaten the integrity of organic produce. Many foods are advertised as "Natural" and "Farm Fresh", but only organic food is guaranteed to be GM-free.
Currently no GM crops are grown commercially in the UK.
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