When food is genetically modified, its genes are changed by scientists to produce new traits that farmers and consumers want from their food. for example, with genetic modification, a plant that is eaten by a certain type of insect could be changed in such a way that it tastes bad or is even dangerous to that insect. with genetic engineering, food items can become more resistant to disease and pests, last longer on store shelves, or have higher nutritional value per serving. what is genetic modification?