What are Genetically Modified (GM) Foods

Links:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan05/food0105.htm

Genetically modified food are changing the genetic makeup of living organisms such as animals, plants or bacteria by combining the genes from different organisms using a set of technologies known as DNA technology.

Combining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology, and the resulting organism is said to be "genetically modified," or "genetically engineered," or "transgenic." GM products include medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds, and fibers

Locating genes for important traits—such as those conferring insect resistance or desired nutrients—is one of the most limiting steps in the process. However, genome sequencing and discovery programs for hundreds of different organisms are generating detailed maps along with data-analyzing technologies to understand and use them.

There were some planted transgenic crops, the principal ones being herbicide- and insecticide-resistant soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola.
Example;
Bananas that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as hepatitis B; fish that mature more quickly; fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier, and plants that produce new plastics with unique properties.