Which term describes food produced from organisms that have had their genetic material changed?

Genetically modified foods are produced from organisms whose genetic material has been altered through biotechnology. This process involves manipulating the DNA of crops or livestock to achieve desired traits, such as increased resistance to pests, enhanced nutritional content, or improved flavor and shelf life. By using techniques like gene insertion or editing, scientists can introduce specific characteristics into the organism that would not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

The term "genetically modified" specifically indicates that the food has undergone this alteration. This is distinct from the other options, which refer to different concepts. For instance, functional foods are those that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, while organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and natural foods typically imply minimal processing without artificial ingredients, but do not necessarily involve genetic modification. Understanding these distinctions is important for comprehending the implications of how our food is produced and the various methods employed in food technology.