Before buying a snack, Alex checks the nutrition panel. He says that knowing the number of calories per portion helps him to make healthy choices. Nutrition panels are a common feature on food packaging. In 1990, the U.S. government started requiring all food products to display information about sugar, fat, and other key ingredients. More recently, the U.S. government also decided that, as of 2021, food labels must also show whether the food contains genetically modified (GM), or bioengineered, ingredients. This rule was created in response to many Americans who wanted to be able to decide for themselves whether or not to consume GM foods.

Scientists genetically modify foods to make them tastier, healthier, or easier to grow. For example, to make “Bt corn,” scientists extract part of a bacteria’s DNA and insert it into corn DNA. Consequently, Bt corn produces a chemical that kills insects that try to eat it. Insects can destroy acres of crops and even cause starvation in some countries, but DNA modifications keep Bt corn safe from pests. “Golden Rice” has been genetically modified to include vitamin A and iron, making it more nutritious than regular rice. GM foods like Golden Rice could help feed the 800 million undernourished people in the world.

Still, many are concerned that GM foods may not be safe to eat. They worry that consuming GM foods could have serious consequences, like causing allergies or cancer. They say that until long-term studies have proven GM foods safe, consumers should have the right to avoid them. For example, other advances in science—like adding lead to paint to make it shinier and last longer—were once celebrated, but later found to cause developmental problems in children. Over 60 countries now require GM foods to be labeled.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a government agency that monitors food safety, says that GM foods are similar to non-GM foods. The FDA says that no scientific evidence shows GM foods to be dangerous. Some people worry that these statements are influenced by powerful businesses that produce GM foods.

Genetically modified foods could help feed the hungry and help poor countries produce more food. But should we postpone enjoying the advantages of GM foods until we are absolutely sure they are safe? Should the U.S. government restrict the use of GM foods?