Conned to eat GM?
Organic Vs Super foods

The battle between scientists and farmers continues as genetically modified produce increases. According to data from the Pesticides Residues Committee about half of all UK fruit and vegetables already contains pesticide residues, which is why many people choose organic. Organic farming is the most natural and traditional way of cultivating food. It is considered the only food we can buy that it is pure and free from all chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides used to kill pests like insects and weeds.
Organic farmers are angry at the Governments plan to allow 0.9% of GM food in any product before it is even labelled. They believe it is misleading the public because it does not provide clear information. David Bennets, organic farmer said; “It is a disgrace; the public should be told exactly what is in their food. Me and my family have worked for many years to ensure that our crops are as organic as they can be, how can consumers trust organic farmers if the new labelling law comes in?”
Animal products such as milk, meat and eggs from animals fed GM feed, still don’t have to be labelled. This means consumers are unable to avoid them. The new labelling policy will not affect products certified by the Soil Association.
Mike Green, Policy Officer from the Soil Association said; “The Soil Association has a zero tolerance and will not allow any traces of GM in their certified products.”
GM debates have been going on for years. Many argue that GM production is simply “not-natural” as it goes against nature. Scientists argue that it is an amazing breakthrough as by splicing into genetic codes, certain food could become stronger and richer in vitamins, consequently being better for our health.
Biotechnology has moved quickly. With new techniques it is possible to manipulate the genetic make up of organisms. This means that in agriculture genetic traits can be transferred to crop plants from distantly related plants, wild relatives or any other organism.
For years the human race has used selective breeding to ensure an improvement in plants and crops. Genetic engineering is said to simply make this process a lot quicker. Genetically modified products first appeared in the nineties, when the technology moved from the lab into farms and shops.
The first GM product approved in the U.K. was yeast in 1990. By 1992 a vegetarian cheese went on sale, the second food to be made using a GM ingredient. Three years ago, GM tomatoes and tomato puree started appearing on supermarket shelves.
Foods such as boosted Vitamin A rice and protein enhanced potatoes are also being produced. Supporters of GM technology argue that these kinds of super foods can help improve our nutrition. However, critics fear that these enhanced foods could have negative effects on consumer’s health as they can produce toxic proteins and allergens. The other risk is that these super weeds could accidentally breed with other plants and crops, polluting the environment.
Why not have your say?
You can visit www.soilassociation.com and www.foe.co.uk to join forums or to ask more questions on these matters.