GMO Labeling Since their entry into the consumer market in the last two decades of the twentieth century, genetically modified organisms (often referred to as GMOs) have received mixed reviews from the public. Genetically modified consumer products (mainly foods) have overcome barriers to some people's comfort level. Born out of a lack of knowledge or genuine concern for public health or the environment, a consumer rights movement has been founded around the world pushing for the labeling of genetically modified food products. In many places this movement has matured to the point that interest groups have succeeded in pressuring governments to adopt criteria for labeling transgenic foods. In other parts of the world, strong agricultural interests have clashed with the movements mentioned above. 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 public perception and their level of trust in this relatively new product. Research in both medical microbiology and agriculture laid the foundation for modern biotechnology. This is a more recent science, which many believe officially began 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 a portion 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 corrected. Works Cited-¡ÝDetailed description of the new labeling of GMOs in the EU¡Ü Organic Consumers Association 2001. 10/5/04.http:/ /www.organicconsumers.org/gefood/gmolabing080101.cfm-Diani, Hera ¡ÝInodnesians call for labeling of GMOs.¡Ü The Jakarta Post, 4 November 2001. http: //organicconsumers.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 /04http://www.biotech .ca/EN/history.html.-Le Meur, Herve ¡ÝRe: Have basic rules been established for GMO definition?¡Ü[email protected]. November 26, 2000.-¡ÝAdhesive labels.¡Ü The Economist. April 29, 1999. 10/5/04 www.economist.com.