EUROPEAN UNION BANS GM FOODS, BRITAIN FOLLOWS

Prime Minister Tony Blair recently went on record saying that the safety of genetically modified (GM) foods needs to be rigorously tested, reversing his previous position that such foods carried no threat to human and animal consumers.

GM crops contain genes from other organisms. These genes might give a plant the ability to produce its own insecticide, for example, or the ability to withstand freezing. European consumer advocate groups have spoken out against the safety of GM foods, saying they are inadequately tested on people. The European Union has banned GM foods.

The implications of this for American grain producers, especially corn and soy producers, are enormous since over 50% of these were GM types last year. Allocation of grain elevator space in America for GM corn and soy has been reduced, and this will affect what is grown. As yet, Americans are accepting GM ingredients in their foods with protest calling for truth in labelling.

At present, foods containing ingredients from GM crops do not need special labels.