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Supermarkets to become GM-free zones

Continuing public opposition to genetically modified (GM) food has led to all of Britain’s major supermarket chains and one of the country’s largest food producers declaring an intention to become GM-free zones.

Local authorities in many parts of the UK have also adopted anti-GM guidelines for their school catering departments, adding pressure on the government to drop its neutral stance on genetic modification.

Britain’s biggest supermarket chain, Tesco, which announced the decision to drop GM products from its shelves at the end of April, was the last of the major food retailers to come out against GM ingredients. It has now set up a task force with Greenpeace to find reliable GM-free replacements for the 150 items it has been selling that contain modified GM soya and maize.

Food manufacturer Unilever, which had long stood firm in support of the so-called scientific benefits of genetic modification, announced its decision to drop GM ingredients the day after Tesco. A Unilever spokesman admitted that the company’s decision had been based solely on public pressure.

Research conducted by the Food Commission has shown that 21 out of 33 councils in greater London and at least 14 county councils in the rest of England have now adopted official policies against the inclusion of GM foods in school meals. But schools will face difficulties in guaranteeing their food is not genetically modified until the government issues clear labelling guidelines, the Food Commission said.

Parliamentary reports suggest that the government may have to act soon on GM labelling. Agriculture minister Jeff Rooker said that ministers in MAFF had received 1,100 letters from MPs about GM foods and biotechnology, and approximately 5,500 letters from the public.