Get more information about GMOs at www.fda.gov/feedyourmind.
A Timeline of
Genetic Modification
in MODERN Agriculture
For thousands of years, people have worked to improve crops,
livestock, and the foods we eat. In the 20th century, scientists
found a way to modify food faster and more precisely by changing
an organism's DNA. This process, called genetic engineering,
produces genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This timeline
highlights key dates in the development of GMO foods.
feed your mind
Building on the discoveries of
chemist Rosalind Franklin,
scientists James Watson and
Francis Crick identify the
structure of DNA.
1953
The federal government establishes
the Coordinated Framework for the
Regulation of Biotechnology. This policy
describes how FDA, USDA, and EPA work
together to regulate the safety of GMOs.
FDA EPA
USDA
1986
2003
The World Health Organization
(WHO) and the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United
Nations develop international
guidelines and standards to
determine the safety of GMO foods.
FDA approves an application
for the first genetic
modification in an animal
for use as food, a genetically
engineered salmon.
2015
GMO alfalfa and sugar beets
are available for sale in the U.S.
2005
Application for GalSafe pig
was approved.
FDA approves the first consumer
GMO product developed through
genetic engineering: human
insulin to treat diabetes.
1982
FDA policy states that foods from
GMO plants must meet the same
requirements, including the same
safety standards, as foods derived
from traditionally bred plants.
1992
Plant breeders learn to use
radiation or chemicals to randomly
change an organism's DNA.
1940
Biochemists Herbert Boyer and
Stanley Cohen develop genetic
engineering by inserting DNA from
one bacteria into another.
1973
GMO apples are available
for sale in the U.S.
2017
GMO pink pineapple is
available to U.S. consumers.
2020
FDA completes consultation
on first food from a genome
edited plant.
2019
OIL
high oleic
soybean
Congress passes a law
requiring labeling for some
foods produced through
genetic engineering and uses
the term “bioengineered,”
which will start to appear
on some foods.
2016
B
I
O
E
N
G
I
N
E
E
R
I
N
G
D
E
R
I
V
E
D
F
R
O
M
B
I
O
E
N
G
I
N
E
E
R
E
D
B
I
O
E
N
G
I
N
E
E
R
E
D
The first wave of GMO
produce created through
genetic engineering becomes
available to consumers:
summer squash, soybeans,
cotton, corn, papayas,
tomatoes, potatoes, and
canola. Not all are still
available for sale.
1990S
July 2022
The first GMO produce created
through genetic engineering—a
GMO tomato—becomes available
for sale after studies evaluated by
federal agencies proved it to be as
safe as traditionally bred tomatoes.
1994
2020
