Could GM crops cause environmental problems?
It's possible that an organism modified for one purpose could have undesirable characteristics, for example by becoming invasive, toxic, or immune to its natural diseases. So GMOs must be carefully designed, screened and assessed for risks to the environment before being widely used. Genes that are known to have adverse effects are not used in GMOs. For example, a gene introduced into corn to help plants cope with corn-boring insects seemed to affect lacewings, which feed on the corn-borers. In laboratory trials, the lacewings grew slower and survived less well. This genetic modification was abandoned.
The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) advises the UK government on regulating and releasing genetically modified plants and animals.