Majority in UK against GM crops in food chain

Two thirds of people in the UK want GM crops to be kept out of the food chain, according to a new survey, conducted by GfK NOP for Friends of the Earth and GM Freeze.

Friends of the Earth and GM Freeze are urging the government and supermarkets to listen to public opinion and take action to protect our food and farming from GM.

The GfK NOP survey for Friends of the Earth and GM Freeze also revealed that less than 40% were aware that GM is currently creeping onto their plates via imported GM animal feed being fed to animals in British farms. While there is currently no requirement for retailers to identify animal products containing GM to consumers, 89% of those surveyed wanted these products to be clearly labelled.

The survey comes as Friends of the Earth and GM Freeze have learnt that US-owned food retailer Asda has abandoned its commitment to GM-free eggs and poultry. The campaigning groups are calling on Asda and other supermarkets to respond to public opinion by pledging to keep GM out of the nation's meat and dairy.

Friends of the Earth's food campaigner Kirtana Chandrasekaran said, "Despite a huge PR push by the former government, consumers are more sceptical than ever about genetic modification, and want to be able to choose food that's guaranteed to be GM free.

Pete Riley from GM Freeze said, "These results send a very clear message to government and retailers that any weakening of policies on the import and use of GM feed will not be welcomed by the public.''