GMO Labeling Since entering the consumer market in the last two decades of the 20th century, genetically modified organisms (often referred to as GMOs) have received mixed reviews from the public. Genetically modified consumer products (primarily foods) have pushed the boundaries of some people's comfort levels. Born either from a lack of knowledge or a sincere concern for public health or the environment, a consumer rights movement has taken hold around the world, pushing for the labeling of genetically engineered food products. modified. This movement has matured in many places to the point where interest groups have successfully pressured governments to adopt labeling criteria for transgenic food products. In other parts of the world, powerful agricultural interests have clashed with the aforementioned movements. A simple label on a can of beans would seem to easily solve this problem; However, governments have found that labeling GMO products is more complex than that. Considerations such as costs, international markets and cultures must also be taken into account, not to mention the public's perception and level of confidence in this relatively new product. Research in medical microbiology and agriculture laid the foundation for what modern biotechnology is. It is a newer science, considered by many to have officially begun with the discovery of recombinant DNA technology by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer in 1970 (biotech.ca 1). Recombinant DNA technology, aided by the use of restriction enzymes, allows humans to cut out part of a species' genome that codes for a desirable trait and insert it into a different species in the hope of producing the same effect (biota... ... middle of paper ...... label to be attached. Works cited - Detailed description of the new labeling of GMOs in the European Union of Consumers of Organic Products 2001. 10 /5/04.http://www.organicconsumers.org/gefood/gmolabing080101.cfm-Diani, Hera. “Inodnesians demand GMO labeling.” .org/gefood/indonesia110801.cfm-¡ ÝEconomic impacts of genetically modified crops on the agri-food sector.¡Ü Directorate-General for Agriculture of the European Commission, 2003. European Commission 10/4/04.-¡ÝHistory of. biotechnology.¡Ü Biotechnology in Canada. 5/04http://www.biotech.ca/EN/history.html.-Le Meur, Hervé ¡ÝSubject: Have basic rules been established for the definition of GMOs? ?¡Ü[email protected]. 26 November 2000.-¡ÝSticker labels.¡Ü The Economist. April 29, 1999. 10/5/04 www.economist.com.