Genetic Engineering is a term that has been surrounded by controversy since it was first widely discussed in the early 1990s. With the advances in science allowing humans to alter genes and the DNA of plants and animals, including the food that we eat, many are left wondering what will be the outcome of tampering with nature.

 Genetic engineering is a process that allows scientists to create plants, animals and microorganisms by manipulating genes artificially. Supporters say the process benefits our food supply because genetic engineering has the ability to produce pest-resistant plants that stay fresh longer. They also promote its alleged ability to boost farm productivity. However, studies show that the unforeseen dangers of genetic engineering may outweigh the trumpeted benefits and farm productivity studies show that organic farming is able to produce greater crop yields over time.

Traditional breeding involves mixing genes between plants of the same species. For example, crossing a rose with another rose to make a new color. Genetic engineering on the other hand, consists of splicing genes from any species, be it plant, animal, insect, bacteria, or even human into another totally unrelated species. One example would be extracting a gene from an artic fish, such as a flounder, which produces a chemical with antifreeze properties, and splicing it into a tomato or strawberry to make it frost resistant.

In 1992, the FDA declared that genetically engineered foods, a.k.a GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) are "not inherently dangerous" and do not require special regulation. But one of the problems of non-regulation is that developing plants that are resistant to pests and diseases can create "super pests" and new strains of diseases that could wipe out whole populations of organisms. A new gene inserted into a plant could produce unknown toxins, allergens, and possibly change the nutritional value of the plant. If a genetically modified organism is released into the wild, it is impossible to predict if the organism will breed with other species, overtake another species, or alter an entire ecosystem. Several studies, as reported by Eva Novotny of Scientists for Global Responsibility, have suggested that even animals prefer non-GE food and will actually avoid eating GE food when given the option. Genetic engineering is an unnecessary and unpredictable technology. Because regulations do not require GE food to be labeled, the best way to avoid it is to buy organic foods or foods that are labeled "Non-GE".