Genetically Modified Sugar Grown Made Crops Food Approved

Several genetically modified "crops" (plants grown for food or clothing) have been approved for "consumption" (use, especially through eating). For example, "papaya" (a large, tropical fruit with orange flesh and large, round, black seeds) has been genetically modified to resist a virus that was threatening to "destroy" (ruin) the papaya industry in Hawaii. Today, 80% of the papaya grown in Hawaii is this genetically modified type. About 13% of the "zucchini" (a long, green vegetable) grown in the United States is also genetically modified for resistance to viruses.

Many "cooking oils" (liquid fat used for cooking other foods) are made from genetically modified crops, such as soybeans, and corn. "High fructose corn syrup" (a sugar substitute made from corn) and other products are also made from these genetically modified crops.

A lot of the sugar produced in the United States is also "derived" (made) from genetically modified crops, particularly sugar beets, which have been genetically modified to be more "tolerant to" (not affected by) "herbicides" (chemicals used to kill "weeds" (unwanted plants)). The sugar produced from genetically modified crops is chemically identical to "conventional" (produced in traditional ways, without the use of genetic modifications) sugar, but some people remain concerned about the "consequences" (what happens as a result) of consuming genetically modified foods.

As of 2012, no genetically modified animals have been approved for consumption, but the "FDA" (Food and Drug Administration, a U.S. government agency) is considering approval of genetically modified "salmon" (a type of fish with pink meat) for consumption.