Genetically Modified Food

Despite consumers' opposition to genetically modified (GM) foods, they have infiltrated the food chain.  So, unless you are buying organic produce that is free from GM material, your food will probably contain some GM derivative.  This is despite fears of unknown long-term health risks and an unleashing of new toxins and allergens which could have untold effects on ourselves and our environment.
A genetically modified plant is one that is changed so that it produces certain characteristics and is resistant to insects and weed killers.  The main foods produced this way include soybean, oilseed rape and maize. 
GM foods have to be labeled - with the exception of those that contain small amounts, namely 0.9 percent or less.  According to the Unites States Food Standards Agency, however, labeling is scant at best and, for most processed foods, merely declares that they contain some GM material. The law that requires GM food to be labeled also requires that restaurants should declare if any of their food contains GM elements- but few know whether they do or not.  The jury is still out on the the long-term affects of GM crops.  However, what is certain is that their nutritional composition will inevitably be altered and, for the moment, we don't know whether that will be for the better or worse.