The following editorial on genetically modified foods was published 8th January 1998 in the
Dorchester Guardian
Fresh fruit, lots of vegetables, wholemeal bread and cereals are all part of a healthy balanced diet - but can we be sure they won't kill us?
Most of us know that to be on the safe side and avoid side-effects from fertilisers and pesticides we should eat organic fruit and vegetables, but with 60% of our processed foods containing soya or maize, 15% of which will have been genetically modified, how can we pick what is good for us?
Voluntary labelling of foods may help, but mistakes in America with engineered ingredients have already left people dead and disabled - and unless all foods that might contain these ingredients are properly labelled, shoppers will never have the choice to choose safely.
Some may say that Iceland has taken away the customer's right to choose by only selling food with non-genetically modified ingredients, but they must be applauded for their bold stand.
Tinkering with genetics is potentially dangerous - for who can foretell the long-term effects - and poses a series of dilemmas to which there are no clear answers. But when the health of so many people is potentially being put at risk, something needs to be done.
Iceland has stood above the rest to say it is not prepared to accept foods tampered with in this way, and the new labelling scheme will allow shoppers to do the same. By not choosing foods made with genetically modified soya or maize the consumer can send a loud message to producers that they, too, are unwilling to accept this march of science on their plate.
If we don't buy it, they can't make it.
(The above editorial refers to the main front page article "Gene-row food is banned by store", following the Dorset Natural Law Party's announcement that it is supporting Iceland Foods decision to ban genetically engineered ingredients in its own-brand foods.)
Dorchester Guardian, 16 A High East St, Dorchester, DTI IHH. Tel/fax 01305 264060. Reporter Karen Borrer.
Natural Law Party supports gmo move by Iceland
Foods
More information on organic food
(NLP live on Radio Wye Valley on GMOs - free audio cassette)
Natural Law Party campaign to ban genetically modified foods in Wessex
