GENERAL INFORMATIONTo begin, a brief distinction between the terms "genetically modified", "genetically modified organism" and "genetically modified food" will be made. Very often these terms are used interchangeably although they have different meanings. Genetic engineering refers to the scientific methods (the actual processes) in which the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) genes of one organism are introduced directly into another (regardless of sexual compatibility) to achieve the desired result. Plants, therefore, are not natural; therefore, they have been genetically modified. On the other hand, the term genetically modified organism designates an organism produced by means of any genetic modification technique. Whether using modern techniques or traditional plant breeding methods, the resulting organisms are classified as genetically modified. Additionally, the term genetically modified food refers to a food that has been processed with ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms. CONCLUSIONS These concepts are very controversial and pose important questions that deserve to be answered. Questions such as: When did the process of genetically modifying our foods begin? How are our foods genetically modified? How much of our food is genetically modified or contains genetically modified ingredients? Why are our foods genetically modified? What problems are associated with genetic engineering? And more importantly, what effects do genetically modified or genetically modified foods have on human, animal and environmental health? Much research has been conducted to comprehensively answer these questions, especially regarding the latter. HISTORY OF GENETIC MODIFICATION Research shows that...... middle of paper ...... companies are willing to spend huge sums of money to avoid telling consumers what they eat is scandalous. It appears there is something about genetically modified foods that these companies don't want consumers to know about. If there are problems, then prohibit their sale. If not, label them. Labeling is not necessarily about health issues, but rather a consumer rights issue. Labeling gives consumers the right to decide whether or not they want to eat it. It's that simple. Consumers have the right to know what is in their food and should be able to make informed choices about genetically modified foods. In order to correctly label genetically modified foods, “GM” must be visibly labeled with the modified characteristics and the source of the implemented gene. For example, modified tomatoes must be marketed with a label stating: "GM tomato containing gene 'X' from source 'Y' »..”