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Rather than reacting in fear at the thought of genetically engineered food, I think close monitoring of any genetic engineering research is key. There are risks involved in mixing and matching things with no clue to how they will interact. Research does need to be scrutinized to make sure that all risks are minimized. One thing to note, though, is that most scientists don't just randomly choose genes to introduce; there is usually much thought behind the process. Many genes are selected for introduction into a new plant based upon known genetic sequence and function. Often the recipient plant most likely already has a gene that is very similar, so the newly introduced gene actually functions quite similarly to the old one.

In other cases, a new gene is introduced. Sometimes genes that infer fungus or pest resistance are introduced. This type of genetic change often occurs naturally over time. When a plant is exposed to, say a fungus, eventually over time the plant will either become lost/extinct or it will become resistant. How does it become resistant? Through naturally occurring genetic mutation. Genetic engineering speeds this process. If we lived for thousands of years and selected for certain traits through breeding, we could actually end up with similar genetic changes to those that are introduced by scientists.

In the world as we know it today, providing enough food for everyone is a difficult task. Responsible genetic engineering allows the development of crops to feed people now; not a thousand years from now.

It is true that some mad scientist could develop something that is detrimental to people or the environment, but do you really think that not protests against genetically engineered foods would stop someone like that? They would just perform their experiments underground...