21st century DNA technology is rapidly changing and evolving with the constant emergence of new technologies. This article will examine the methods and issues related to genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods are crops that have been modified by genetic engineering, biotechnology and genetic technology. Farmers select the best possible crops based on their needs and genetic engineering makes this possible. For example, when you cross two plants, you may end up with one desirable trait and one trait you don't want. These genes are often linked and genetic engineering makes it possible to isolate and reproduce one of these traits. These crops have been modified to enhance desired traits such as improved nutritional content and increased resistance to herbicides (Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? D, Whitam). Examples of plants that have been modified include: soybeans, corn, canola, squash, potatoes, chicory, pineapple and strawberries. Ninety-eight percent of genetically modified crops are grown in Canada, the United States, Argentina and China. There are many benefits to using genetically modified foods. First, increasing crop resistance to pests while reducing the use of chemicals. Crop losses due to this problem are devastating for farmers, who typically have to use tons of chemical pesticides each year. By growing crops such as Bt corn (see appendix), it eliminates the application of pesticides and reduces the cost of bringing a crop to market. This same idea applies to the use of herbicides. Cold tolerance is another advantage of genetically modified foods, as cold frosts are dangerous for sensitive seedlings. An antifreeze gene was taken from a cold water fish and introduced into tobacco and paper......would you benefit from this technology? Who determines this? The labeling and regulation of genetically modified foods is a highly debated topic among the public. Australia's regulatory system came into force in June 2001 following the introduction of the Gene Technology Act 2000. Labels are required for foods where genetic modification has changed the food such that its nutritional value is outside the average, the GMO-produced food has a “novel factor”. which could cause allergic reactions in some people and where genetic modification raises significant ethical, cultural and religious concerns about the origin of the genetic material. Works Cited http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/ pages/geneically_modified_foods?openhttp://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.phphttp://www.biotechnologyonline. gov.au/foodag/gmlabelling.html