Foods produced with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) deserve considerable debate. Several consumer watchdog groups, such as Greenpeace International, support a ban on GMO foods. Others, however, argue that GMO foods are safe for human consumption and can help feed the world by reducing the use of pesticides. However, although public opinion is divided on the acceptance and safety of genetically modified foods, one thing is certain: consumers should be explicitly informed about genetically modified foods; these foods must be labeled. People have the right to know what they are ingesting and how it is produced. In fact, 94% of Americans support labeling genetically modified foods (Hesson). Although the FDA does not currently require labeling of products made with genetically modified organisms, some estimate that “at least 60% of products in U.S. supermarkets contain GMOs” (Hesson). Some of these foods include: “baby formula, tortilla chips, taco shells, veggie burgers, corn muffin mix, and baco bits” (IPM and organic). The growing prevalence of unlabeled and potentially dangerous genetically modified foods in the American diet is cause for concern. Companies and agencies with vested interests in GMO foods argue, by contrast, that “[t]here is no scientific reason to specifically label these foods. foods. Since the scientifically uninformed consumer will almost always react with fear to new technologies, labeling would not be productive” (IPM & Organic). Of course, numerous agencies attest to the short-term safety of genetically modified foods. The FDA believes that genetically modified foods are insignificantly different from foods produced from unaltered conventional crops. Likewise, “the National Academy of Sciences r…… middle of paper…… almost impossible. However, given the choice, I would prefer unmodified food. While I don't have an illogical fear or disposition toward genetically modified foods, natural whole foods seem to be a safer choice. This, however, has one exception. The price between genetically modified and traditional food products must be the same or comparable. Since the price of genetically modified food decreases compared to the price of the traditional counterpart, I would be more inclined to purchase the GMO product. Ultimately, GMO foods hold a lot of promise. They have the potential to feed the world while reducing pesticide use. Hopefully, in the near future, health concerns related to genetically modified foods will be definitively debunked. Until then, however, the consumer must be aware of what he is ingesting; Labels on GMO foods must be issued and enforced.