Green Daily

It lurks in cobs of corn and soybeans as well as myriad of packaged dry goods lining grocery store shelves. It's known as the genetically modified organism (GMO). And it's scary.

Here's the definition from Organic.org's glossary:

A plant, animal, or microorganism that is transformed by genetic engineering (the practice of inserting foreign genes into genetic codes and sometimes referred to as bioengineering or biotechnology). A product that is the result of genetic engineering is called a "product of genetic engineering" or a "derivative of GMOs" depending on the circumstances. It is felt by some that the use of GM crops unnecessarily risks the health of the population and the environment due to insufficient knowledge to safely and predictably modify plant genomes.

The only way to ensure food is free of GMOs is to buy organic. But Trader Joe's private label products are guaranteed GMO free, even if they are not organic. And if you don't think GMOs are scary or at least something that should be avoided for the good of farmers, then I'm willing to bet watching The Future of Food will change your mind.

Skip ahead

• Fish from farms?
• How to eat local
• GMO: What does it mean, and why should you care?