If crops were affected by drought, disease and insects, having destroyed many acres in the American Midwest region, the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) would not be useful in regenerating new crops . Genetically modified (GMO) foods “are plants or animals that have been genetically modified with DNA from bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals that cannot occur naturally or in traditional breeding” (nongmoproject.org). Most of the research done has not concluded that there are positive benefits to the use of GMOs. According to scientific research conducted around the world, there are serious health risks associated with the consumption of genetically modified foods. The purpose of GMOs is to increase crop production and reduce pesticide use, but research says otherwise. If farmers wanted to continue using GMOs to produce crops, labeling should be mandatory to allow consumers to make an informed choice about whether or not to eat genetically modified foods. Through research it has been shown that using GMOs to increase crop production during a period of drought or disease has no benefits, only risks. Consuming foods that have been genetically modified poses serious health risks, based on research conducted on rats by The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), an international medical organization. Risks include infertility, immune system problems, accelerated aging, disruption of insulin and cholesterol regulation, gastrointestinal problems and organ damage. Many AAEM doctors have prescribed non-GMO diets to all patients to improve health conditions. Non-GMO advocate Jeffrey M. Smith says scientific research shows genetically modified foods are linked to thousands of sick, infertile and dead livestock; thousands of toxic and allergic reactions in humans; and damage to... half the paper......M crops will increase the cost of farming, potentially causing many small farmers to lose their businesses. As GMOs continue to impact human life and the environment, it should be mandatory to label products if they are genetically modified, thus giving consumers the right to make their own decision. With the list of health risks and environmental issues growing, the use of GMOs should be banned as a way to increase food supply and continue a natural approach to eliminate all risks. Works cited http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.occclib. nocccd.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a4399876-f3c3-4ce5-8778-1af376054587%40sessionmgr4003&vid=4&hid=4101&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=f5h&AN=58460741, http https://www.nongmoproject.org/learn - more/, http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php, http://www.offthegridnews.com/2013/03/06/are-gmos-killing-our-honey-bees/