Majority prefer non-GM food - survey

Publication: The Australian

Date: Monday, September 22, 2008

Via: AgBios

MORE than half of the population would be less likely to buy something if they knew it contained genetically modified (GM) food.

A recent Newspoll found 54 per cent of people would be less likely to buy such an item, 42 per cent said it would make no difference, while two per cent said they would be more likely to buy it.

Women were more strongly opposed to GM produce than men.

The telephone poll of 1200 people, conducted earlier this month for Greenpeace, also found 90 per cent of the population thought foods containing GM ingredients should be labelled as such.

Greenpeace genetic engineering campaigner Michelle Sheather said it was clear Australians wanted to avoid GM food, and they wanted it labelled.

"However, glaring loopholes in our current labelling laws do not leave shoppers with a choice,'' she said.

Ms Sheather said Victoria and New South Wales were now growing GM canola, which would slip into the food chain.

It could be used as animal feed without the end produce having to be labelled as a GM product, she said.

Greenpeace is waging a campaign for the labelling and "stringent safety testing'' of GM food.

Source: THE AUSTRALIAN

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