Should genetically modified foods (GMOs) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be labeled? Unfortunately, although polls consistently show that a majority of Americans want to know whether the foods they buy contain GMOs, powerful biotechnology companies continue to hide this information from the public (GMO Facts). Genetic engineering is the transfer of genetic material from one organism to another, including unrelated species such as plants and animals. For example, scientists can insert a gene from a fish that thrives in an icy part of the ocean into a strawberry in the hope that the fruit will become frost-resistant. However, cross-reactivity could occur if those consuming the modified berry are allergic. sin. Genetically modified foods have been around since the early 1990s and are not going away anytime soon. In the European Union, for example, GMOs are widely restricted or banned if “the GMO in question presents a risk to human health or the environment” (Health and Consumers). I believe that genetically modified organisms are not only bad for the global economy, but also pose a threat to the security and integrity of the global food supply. Therefore, I propose that the United States pass legislation requiring companies to label foods containing GMOs, because we deserve the right to know what we are consuming. Consumers have the right to know what they are eating, especially since GMOs could have negative effects on health. on humans. Jeffery M. Smith, director of the Institute for Responsible Technology and an advocate for genetically modified foods, explains that the Bt toxin, regularly introduced into many foods as a barrier between the environment, causes skin irritation, nausea, fever and can escape. ... middle of paper ...... "Why genetically modified foods should be labeled." San Francisco State University. Np, July 9, 1996. Web. January 1, 2014. .Glass, Emily. “The environmental impact of GMOs.” A green planet. Np, August 2, 2013. Web. December 23, 2013. .Miller, Debra A. “Damage to Food Quality, Nutrition, and the Environment.” Genetically modified foods. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven, 2012. 18. Print. Nacci, Giuseppe. “The threat of genetically modified organisms.” Gerson Healing Newsletter 21 (May-June 2006): 5-8. Print.Skancke, Jennifer. “Genetically modified foods are not safe.” Genetically modified foods. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2009. 17. Print “GMO FACTS.” The NON GMO project. NP, 2013. Web. January 2. 2014. .