From 2007.igem.org

Applications

There are many advantages for genetically modifying bacteria and other micro-organisms that are normally present in our food. These include increasing the number of beneficial vitamins, carotenoids and other co-factors, which may be rare in some peoples diet, such as those people suffering from malnutrition in developing countries. Other uses include the manufacture of medicines in the small intestine, which cannot survive in the gut, or biotechnological applications such as the production of naturally synthetic colours and flavours.