The use of genetic modification in food production is proving contentious and attracting much media coverage. Despite this, it can be difficult for anyone not directly involved to know how to obtain hard facts.  Genetically modified foods raise many issues?scientific, technological, environmental, social, ethical, economic, and political?too many to cover here.  This article therefore paints a broad picture of genetically modified foods and provides a lead to sources of information by addressing three specific points:  What is genetic modification and how does it relate to food production?  What are the current and future applications?  What concerns do genetically modified foods raise?