March 27th marks the end of the 180 day period before the Food and Drug Administration must respond to a petition, filed by Just Label It! that demands genetically modified food is labeled. The petition, according to the organization, has over 1 million signatures from people opposed to genetically modified foods, or GMOs, across the United States.

Last year, New York was one of fourteen states that proposed bills to mark GMOs, but as in all other states where it was proposed, it did not result in food labeling laws.  In March 2012, though, a similar bill did gain support in nearby Connecticut, perhaps reflecting a growing concern and awareness over GMOs.  Recent research conducted by Just Label It! indicates 92% of all Americans now want genetically food labeling, including at least 20,000 New Yorkers who signed the petition.

With so many Americans demanding labeling, then, how will the FDA respond to the petition?  If the recent lawsuit that pitted organic farmers in a New York City courtroom and drew anti-GMO protesters from across New York is any indication, the FDA may very well side with Monsanto, the main purveyor of genetically altered seeds.  After an initial hearing, the landmark case brought by the organic farmers was ultimately thrown out of Manhattan federal court by Judge Naomi Buchwald, a victory for mega-giant Monsanto.

Not surprisingly, Monsanto opposes the labeling of genetically modified foods and disputes the concerns raised by anti-GMO activists. Many opposed to GMOs, including New York activist groups Occupy Food and Millions against Monsanto-NYC believe altered foods may make people sick  and think the claims made by Monsanto that the genetically modified crops reduce need for insecticides or bolster yields is not supported by facts.

Will the Food and Drug Administration agree with Monsanto or the million Americans who want to know what is in their food? With the official 180 day period coming to a close today, we will know soon enough.