The GMO controversy is totally ludicrous. If consumers learned about Biology, they will understand how silly their fears are. Its not like consumers will grow a body part from consuming DNA from a different species. News Alert: Everything you eat has DNA in it. So unless you are cannibals, you are eating non human DNA.

I think consumers have a right to know what is in the food they will potentially consume. This is about informed choice and who makes it - the manufacturer, the store, or the ultimate consumer? Why do the companies fight to keep this information hidden from the public?

I have read several accounts of experiments where a GMO food has been given to animals, with a control group of animals fed natural food, resulting in either failure to thrive, or developing various maladies. I haven't kept a record of documentation of these, but they're easily found by googling. GMO grain seeds sold by Monsanto have already caused devastations of crops where they were supposed to bring benefit. Of course this is another issue, but just as important. As far as the labeling issue, if we are to be guinea pigs, shouldn't we be informed guinea pigs? Oh, and Bigben, your comment shows that you misunderstand the biological issues here. Have you gotten past a Jr.HS biology class? Check out the controversy regarding GMO salmon and the probable eventuality of these freaks of nature escaping their confines and breeding with wild salmon, and you might then have some fear about the possible effects on the ecosystem and the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.

Clarifiication of my comment above: Of course I meant to say that the GMO-fed group experienced the negative consequences. Also, there might be little chance of interbreeding, since the GMO fish are probably less fit than the natural ones: now if you're eating these GMO (farmed) fish, be advised that it's already known that they contain less Omega 3 oils than the natural, and because of their confinement will likely contain more toxins, as the non-GMO farmed salmon do. Wouldn't you like to know which is which, Bigben?

Over 60 countries have some type of law regarding the sale of GMO products to the consumer. Many countries have just banned them all together. Why?

they are not "freaks of nature." Nature did not make these freaks. They are the result Frankenstein-esqe lab work.

Even worse is that courts have given multinational corporations patent rights, saying they are significantly different that their natural counterparts which is at odds with the FDA claim that there is "no major difference." They aggressively enforce patents and sue organic farmers whose corn crops are contaminated by their neighbors. (corn pollinates by wind), 90% of soy is now GMO and only patented by a handful of corporations, which allows them to have near total control over the world's food supply. This is an egregious human rights violation, and has already contributed to mass suicides of farmers in India.

They claim "no evidence of danger" (based on their own studies, and refuse to allow independent studies) but provide no PROOF that their products are safe in the long run because this is no possible. They have been around for less than 20 years so, WE, are the guinea pigs. Maybe in 65 years when half the population is infertile, we will understand the damage.

Others claim we have been genetically modifying food for thousands of years. This statement is very misleading. Cultivars and cross-breeds occur in nature, and have been around before humans existed, but GMO's splice genes from bacteria and animals into plants which could never happen in nature.

100% yes. There are a lot of different studies out there pointing towards negative health issues with GMO's. We certainly have the right to know if something we buy and eat has been genetically altered. Those in denial are the same that think Global warming is BS.

No.

What is the difference between genes that have been modified by humans versus natural mutation? People need to get over this idea that everything humans do is intrinsically evil.

@ Assaggiatore: thanks for the clarification and additional info. I read that many farmers in India are committing suicide because of crop failures of Monsanto-supplied seeds. Well, maybe this and your speculation about human infertility is Providence's way towards a reasonable level of human population--maybe we should thank the GMO-would-be-profiteers, since they might not be intrinsically evil...

I find it humorous people are so fundamentally opposed to GMO labeling, as if doing it will inconvenience them somehow. It's a freakin' label. Put it on everything. If you so choose to disregard it, do so at your own risk. But we have right to know.

There is an amazing amount of hysteria and emotion here, with some wildly erroneous information and very little facts. For intelligent people who are really interested in learning more, I strongly suggest actually reading official US policy, courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration. It's a little heavy, but very educational, and factual: http://goo.gl/4OMOt. The simple facts are that if Sen. Leach's bill passed, it would be found unconstitutional, since it would compel commercial speech that could mislead consumers about the meaning of GMO labeling. This issue is best dealt with at the federal level, and personally, I would love to find a way to provide consumers the information they want in a truthful, non-misleading way, based on real science, not fearmongering.

@Kelly: FDA 'facts' seem to be largely controlled by industry. We've all seen FDA-approved drugs kill large numbers of people before being pulled from market. Drugs that made lots of money for pharmaceutical firms, when older versions were at least or more effective. 'new plant varieties'. yeah. Why the euphemism for GMO? FDA allows feces and antibiotic contaminated poultry and meat to be sold, no? I admit I didn't read much of the article you linked to: the BS put me off. If the FDA had any power, it would end factory farming and its cruelty and horror. The FDA is not Life's friend.

See how deep this rabbit hole goes...

Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/monsanto-protection-act-corporations-power-us-government/#ixzz2ODN9Ie5j

Thanks much, Ego Death, I read this and signed the petition. May we all do likewise and stop the Monsanto Horror Train! (and may both our bodies and egos have a gentle death, preferably egos first...)

its a beautiful thing to let the "self" go

Big Ben sorry but you need to do more research on GMO's and what they are essentially Round Up(Monsanto's pesticide) is being injected into seeds to make them pest/weed resistant and then you are eating them in EVERYTHING! Corn and Soy being the largest GMO crops and look at your label corn and soy are in everything you buy just about. The effects of this are largely unknown although some would say to look at the rates of cancer, autism or diabetes all soaring and why? Could it be all the GMO's they don't know. What Monsanto does to farmers is even more alarming shutting them down if there is any cross pollination from nearby farms, bullying them into using their seeds. It goes way beyond the label. Ed I agree a label should not bother any one it is a choice and one we should all be allowed to make living in a free country. Kelly if you trust the FDA good luck to you, they approved Fen Phen remember that? Everyone had to get their heart values replaced oh and Celebrex, really and the list goes on? Did you know that most of Europe ban GMOs in their food supply? Why shouldn't we?

How many millions have been spent by monsanto to fight labeling and prosecuting farmers for patent infringement. Monsanto is part of the military industrial complex that controls legislation inside the beltway for their profit. In many cases their attorneys write the legislation. In addition, the revolving door now in place assures status quo will prevail. The well being of Americans does not concern them, only money and power. Cancer, autism, and obesity do not contribute enough to the re-election of the criminals "the majority" continues to put in office. No change can begin until these prostitutes are out of office. Try changing your diet and your voting habits instead, you'll live longer and be responsible for less murder.

Lynne & Anthony, well said! And Kevin your post just make zippo sense dude, Public Ed and Math & Science, totally off topic, but a topic worth discussing in another forum. Any way I am not a master of the topic at all nor claim to be but the bottom line is that if you care about your health and that of your family you care about this topic and do your reseach as best you can. I also happen to work in the Natural Food Industry so I have access to a ton of information on the topic and need to stay on top of it for my job. But Kevin what do you know on the subject I am all ears and would be fascinated to hear your intelligent response.

Given that there is no lab method to test any food item as being GMO or not, and that the long and arduous path from grower-processor-to consumer is not tightly controlled, it is a false sense of choice to label such items one way or another. Don't be surprised if non-GMO labels are surreptitiously attached to wrappings or packaging to enable the seller to make extra profit. This labeling will be a 'can of worms' and an unnecessary cost to the average consumer. Just to have a choice?
---AHN-PHD

The certifying organizations control the path, tightly enough, through inspections and affidavits, to ensure that their logo is placed genuinely. Of course almost anything could be counterfeit, but that's no reason to stop producing and labeling the real thing, be it non-GMO produce, Gucci handbags, or $20 bills.