Home > Press releases > 2004 > IMPORTED GM CONTAMINATING FOOD
Mar 10 2004
Reports today claim that GM material has been found in products labeled organic or GM-free. Friends of the Earth believe it shows a clear indication that where GM is already grown overseas there are no adequate measures in place to prevent cross-contamination.The Biotechnology Unit at the University of Glamorgan carried out a pilot study to test for the presence of GM ingredients in soya foods from health food stores and supermarkets. It found that 40%, or almost half of the 25 foods tested positively for GM ingredients. The data from the survey has not yet been officially published.
Friends of the Earth's GM campaigner Pete Riley said:
"This report shows the real threat that GM crops pose to organic and conventional food in the current absence of adequate Government controls over GM crops and foodstuffs imported to the UK from countries where GM crops are already grown."
Yesterday, the Government gave qualified approval to the commercial growing of GM maize. Announcing the decision Environment Minister Margaret Beckett said "…customers want a clear regime for traceability and labeling so that they can make their own choices"
Friends of the Earth's GM campaigner Pete Riley added:
"Mrs Beckett's decision to give qualified commercial approval to GM maize will only heighten the risk to our food and farming from GM pollution. The Government must reassure the public by introducing testing to guarantee that conventional food sold in the UK is GM-free. If it can't do this it should reconsider its decision to allow GM maize to be grown commercially."
The Government announced a consultation on GM contamination and liability but has refused to back a Private Members Bill by Greg Barker MP aimed at addressing this issue, which will get its Second Reading in Parliament later this month.
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