GMOs, short for "genetically modified organisms", are the result of laboratory processes consisting of taking genes from one species and transferring them into another species with the aim of get or remove a specific trait. or characteristic. GMOs are also called genetically modified organisms and transgenic organisms. Genetically modified organisms were not recognized until 1982, when the FDA approved the first genetically modified organism, humulin, which is insulin produced by the genetically modified E. coli bacteria. Then, in 1994, the FDA approved the first Flavr Savr tomato for sale in grocery stores, which had a much longer shelf life than regular tomatoes. Soon after, GMO-resistant weeds appeared in 1996. Genetically modified products are not limited to food, but are also used in other products such as common garden plants, clothing and medicines. Since their emergence, GMOs and labeling policies for GMO-containing products have been a source of great controversy both globally and domestically over whether these "scientific experiments" are harmful to the environment and the health of those who consume products that contain it. Today, there are no restrictions or guidelines for products containing GMOs. Some believe that there is no threat associated with GMOs, but it is a fact that products containing GMOs are potentially harmful to consumers and that a strict labeling method should be put in place to inform consumers of what they buy. I will argue that labeling of products containing genetically modified materials should be mandatory. Labeling of products containing genetically modified ingredients should be mandatory due to health speculation, environmental impact and because it is the prerogative of consumers to be aware. A recent New York... middle of paper ... no way to prove these foods are truly safe in the long term. Whether non-GMO or pro-GMO, 90% of crops grown in the United States are genetically modified and 93% of Americans believe that genetically modified products should be labeled because consumers have the right to know what they are buy and consume. Why so much obscurity around genetically modified ingredients in the food industry? If there's nothing these biotech companies and food manufacturers can hide about their modified crops and foods, then just label it. /www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-in-the-us.aspx#.Uy30l_ldUpg http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371 .htmlhttp://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsusedforfood/a/Arguments-For-And-Against-Genetical-Modified-Organisms.htm