Shoppers Fear GM Food Risks

Deborah Smith / Dorset Echo (UK) 25may01

 

98% said far too little is known about possible dangers of GM foods to allow commercial production to go ahead

DORSET shoppers have given genetically modified foods an overwhelming thumbs- down according to a new county-wide survey.

A poll of almost 200 supermarket shoppers across Dorset staged earlier this year revealed a whopping 98 per cent said far too little is known about possible dangers of GM foods to allow commercial production to go ahead.

Nine out of ten of those interviewed in the survey said the risk irreversible genetic pollution of the environment was a major fear while 86 per cent said they were worried about the effects on wildlife.

The survey was carried out by a community-based pressure group, Agenda 21, which is campaigning for sustainable ways of living.

Interviewers surveyed shoppers at supermarkets all over Dorset - including Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport.

Those interviewed were also concerned about the possible health effects of eating GM foods after some scientists have suggested they could spark allergies and disrupt the balance of the body's hormones and 79 per cent said they were concerned about what the long-term effects of GM foods could be.

Sally Cooke, spokeswoman for Agenda 21, said: "The survey sends a strong message to supermarkets and to the Government about the need for clear information to enable consumers to choose. Nearly 90 per cent of shoppers said they would like to be able to identify GM ingredients in foods when they go out shopping, yet only 11 per cent were confident that they could do.

"We'd like to thank all the people who gave their time and co-operation to take part in the survey. We feel it is very important for the views of ordinary people to be heard on this topic.

"Genetic modification is a global issue but it affects everybody through the food we eat. It needs to be part of a national debate about the future of food and farming.

"We would like to see food suppliers and politicians make extra efforts to see that people's choices are
respected."

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