Definition:  Genetically Modified Organisms or Food (GMOs) are plants and animals into which scientists have inserted foreign genes for specific, desired traits—such as cold tolerance, insect resistance, drug production, or immunity to common pesticides. GMOs are usually designed to carry one or more genes from a totally unrelated species to another. For instance, in designing cold-tolerant tomatoes, some crop developers have put into the fruit's cells an antifreeze gene from flounder. Ordinarily, crossing such species would be impossible, and even crosses of related species can yield infertile offspring—like the mule from the mating of a horse and donkey. Unlike the mule, however, GMOs remain fertile. This high-tech approach is different from conventional plant or animal breeding for desired traits, in which individuals of a species are repeatedly crossed to bring out what the breeder is looking for in a domestic animal or crop plant.

 Pros:  Despite their potential risks, GMOs offer great benefits to developing countries, according to the U.N. Environment Program. Certain GMOs reduce the need for precious resources, such as water, fertilizer, or pesticides. This technology offer greater yields than conventional crops.

 Cons:  There are many concerns over the safety of these foods as well as the seeds from these plants. Studies have demonstrated that foreign genes in crop plants don't always stay put. Pollen from such plants might carry inserted genes from modified soybeans, for instance, into a field of wild soybean plants or an unmodified crop. The unintentionally broadcast genes could come to dominate in future generations of the wild or supposedly normal crop plants and thus reduce genetic diversity in the species.

Side effects:  The potential of genetically engineered foods to cause allergic reactions in humans is a big reason for opposition to such crops. Although protocols are in place to ask questions about the allergy-causing possibilities, there has been no test that offers definitive answers. But all of that could change as a Michigan State University researcher has developed the first animal model to test whether genetically engineered foods could cause human allergic reactions.

 Discussion:  Where do we stand with this technology that is beneficial on one hand but may harbor potential safety issues? Safety should be our number one concern and preparing for the future food needs of our growing world population should be another. Where do you stand on this issue?