Although it is still challenging for certain species such as wheat, many crops can be routinely genetically modified. During the early to mid-1990s, the research translated into commercial reality, and transgenic crops such as tomatoes, soya and cotton were available in several countries. Outside research, commercial and regulatory circles, the production and consumption of transgenic crops attracted little interest and relatively limited controversy until 1997. However, between 1997 and 1999, the issue rose to prominence in the popular media, and to a key issue of social debate in Europe, Australia and many other parts of the world. Central to the debate on genetically modified foods is the safety of genetically modified crops and their potential environmental effects, and whether mankind, especially developing countries, can secure the benefits of genetically modified crops while most effectively avoiding any risks they may present. The major issues raised by those opposed to genetically modified crops are undetected effects on human health, a myriad of potential environmental effects and a less definable sense that genetically modified crops are unnatural. Issues that follow are labelling of genetically modified foods (whether to label, which genetically modified products to label and whether such labelling should be voluntary or compulsory), and whether labelling should be backed up by testing. This review discusses the scientific and commercial motivations for development of genetically modified crops, current applications of the technology in the context of the debate on safety concerns. The focus of much of the debate has been developed countries such as Europe, but it is possible that the technology could have the greatest utility for developing countries.