We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.9 out of 10 consumers 'confused by GM'
MOST consumers are confused by genetically modified food and want the Food Standards Agency to educate them.
According to an IGD consumer survey the FSA is best placed to reverse a gap in knowledge where only 7 per cent of consumers can demonstrate an understanding of GM technology.
Speaking at a high-level Westminster debate on the future of food on Tuesday (2 February) Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IGD, the food and grocery experts, said consumers trusted the FSA more than anybody else.
“Consumers don’t have enough information to make an informed choice on GM.
“Shoppers are very clear that the FSA, who they believe has a lot of integrity, should give them that information,” she said, adding consumer knowledge on GM had remained stationary for more than a decade.
Melanie Leech, director general of the Food and Drink Federation, backed the IGD call for an FSA-led debate.
Farm industry figures feared a lack of knowledge on GM would breed mistrust in the technology and hamper attempts to develop food security solutions.
Terry Jones, NFU head of government affairs, said: “We need all the tools in the toolbox to address food security challenges. We need proper science-based research and the FSA are the best placed body to make sure people are properly informed on this.”
Dr Jo Bray, from Defra’s food policy unit, agreed ‘a sensible debate was paramount’.
“In terms of meeting global food challenges we can’t rule anything out,” she said, “but our first concern must be food safety and we need a sensible debate with consumers.”
Readers' comments (1)
David Burnfield | 2 February 2010 7:10 pm
The FSA educating people about GM is akin to the fox teaching chicken about fencing. The FSA have proved that all they want is 'cheap' food for the masses, regardless of quality.
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