GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) FOOD

Genetic Modification is becoming a hot potato. People promoting GM technology believe it has the potential to answer any number of difficult biological and other issues, and make money. Those against GM food believe that, however well intentioned it may sound, there is the potential to create unpredicatable consequences. Look what can happen when you import a species to be useful only for it to end up a pest. Imagine how much worse this could be at the gene level?

The government realises that there are world forces involved in the the issue of whether we allow GM crops into the food chain. The Prime Minister's 'Strategy Unit' is carrying out a study into the overall costs and benefits associated with the growing of GM crops.

1. Find out who is coming for dinner.

2. Check in more detail who has permission to release GMOs into the environment.

3. Consider the main issues of concern:

HEALTH | ENVIRONMENT | OWNERSHIP | FOOD SECURITY | INTERNATIONAL LAW

4. Use the links down the left hand side to take you to other web resources for more on GM issues.

5. Look at some GM policy options and identify whether you consider the UK should be promotional, permissive, precautionary or preventative. From the chart you can see that, regarding food safety and consumer choice, the EU has just moved from a 'preventative' stance to 'precautionary' position. In July 2003, the EU lifted its ban on GM food but now demands proper labelling (more).

What can you do?

Write or email your MP: contact details of all MPs

Contact your Local Authority / County Council and request their policy on GM.
[Cornwall and Wiltshire have already declared they will remain GM-free]

'GM Debate Steering Board'
http://www.gmnation.org.uk

Glossary of GM terms from http://europa.eu.int