Genetic modification is when the genes of a living thing have been changed or added to. Genes carry instructions for plants and animals to function.
Genetic modification means plants or animals can be changed to have a specific quality, such as being more resistant to disease. These plants and animals are called ‘genetically modified organisms’ (GMOs).
GM foods are foods that are made using genetically modified plants or animals (GMOs). They are not common in the UK. The main use of common GM crops, such as maize and soybean, is in animal feed.