Always read the label

Last week, the European Commission approved plans to improve labelling on
genetically modified food. Foods with certain GM ingredients, such as some soya
and maize oils, do not yet have to carry a label. But from 2003, all GM food and
animal feed will have to be marked, if the European Parliament sanctions the
measures. However, food containing up to 1 per cent GM
material—”technically unavoidable” contamination—will not have to
carry a label. Five Year Freeze, an alliance of anti-GM organisations, says this
will compromise consumers’ choice to eat GM-free produce.