Journalist Laura Washington moderates this monthly series that explores contemporary issues affecting life in Chicago.

GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, refer to living organisms that have been genetically altered by artificial means. Most people eat genetically modified foods but don’t know it. GMOs are making news nearly every day and issues surrounding their safety are a source of ongoing debates in the food and labeling industry. What really are GMOs? Are they safe? Are they adequately tested? How do they affect our food, our health and the environment?