Do genetically modified (GE) foods or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) need to be labelled? Unfortunately, although polls consistently show that a majority of Americans want to know if the food they are buying contains GMOs, powerful biotech companies continue to keep this information hidden 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 could insert a gene from a fish that thrives in a frozen part of the ocean into a strawberry in the hope that the fruit could become frost-resistant, however, cross-reactivity could occur if those consuming the altered berry are allergic to fish. Genetically modified foods have been around since the early 1990s and aren't 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 harmful to the global economy, but pose a threat to the safety and integrity of the global food supply. Therefore, I propose that legislation be passed in the United States requiring companies to label foods that contain 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 adverse health effects on humans. Jeffery M. Smith, director of the Institute for Responsible Technology and consumer activist for GM foods, explains that the Bt toxin, regularly inserted into many foods as a barrier between the environment, causes skin irritation, nausea, fever and can lead to ... ... middle of paper ......"Why genetically modified foods should be labelled." San Francisco State University. Np, 9 July 1996. Web. 1 January 2014. .Vetro, Emily. "The environmental impact of GMOs". A green planet. Np, Aug. 2, 2013. Web. Dec. 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 food is not safe.” Genetically modified foods. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2009. 17. Print."GMO FACTS." The NON GMO Project. Np, 2013. Web. 02 January. 2014. .