When did genetically modified food start?

Answer 1

It had started in the 1940's but it has increased the most in the 1970's.

Actually, the first GM foods were grown in California in the early 1990's. What the answer above was referring to was the Green Revolution which started in the 1940's, which was however the basis of GM foods. The Green Revolution was the start of HYV (similar to GM foods) which are High-Yielding varieties. These are genetically modified crops which have higher yields (in essence, you get more out of your crop).

Also, the first GM foods were sold in 1996.

Answer 2

California, Mexico, and Florida also produced the first genetically-altered tomato. After five years of testing, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA) approved for public consumption the first genetically altered food in 1994.

Answer 3

GMO crops were first approved in the late 1990s. GMO foods came on the commercial market not long after that.

Answer 4

1996 was the first year GMO crops were first grown commercially.