A GMO is a genetically modified organism. This means an organism’s DNA has been altered in a laboratory environment.

Only a few GMO crops are regularly grown in the U.S., including corn, cotton, potatoes, soybeans and canola. The general public's opinion about GMOs can vary, but these crops have been certified as safe and are highly regulated by the USDA and other federal agencies.

Many GMO crops are developed to make them resistant to pests, reducing the need for pesticides. Other plants are genetically modified to make them more nutritious. According to the National Library of Medicine, golden rice was genetically modified to increase carotene concentrations.

Beyond agriculture, genetic engineering—the science used to create GMOs—has been used in medicine, such as to develop human insulin. Genetically engineered human insulin is considered safe and superior to other forms of insulin for diabetes management.

Genetically modified foods frequently carry a USDA “Bioengineered” or “Derived from Bioengineering” label.