What decade did the first GMO food become available for human consumption?

What decade did the first GMO food become available for human consumption?

• A. 1980s
• B. 1990s
• C. 2000s
• D. 1970s

Answer: (B)

Understanding when a GMO food first reaches consumers hinges on regulatory approval after a product is created through genetic modification. The first GM food to be marketed was the Flavr Savr tomato, which received FDA approval in 1994 and appeared on shelves in the mid-1990s. That places the debut of GMO foods squarely in the 1990s. While research and development occurred earlier, the actual consumer availability began in the 1990s, with more GM crops like corn and soybeans following in the latter part of that decade.

Understanding when a GMO food first reaches consumers hinges on regulatory approval after a product is created through genetic modification. The first GM food to be marketed was the Flavr Savr tomato, which received FDA approval in 1994 and appeared on shelves in the mid-1990s. That places the debut of GMO foods squarely in the 1990s. While research and development occurred earlier, the actual consumer availability began in the 1990s, with more GM crops like corn and soybeans following in the latter part of that decade.