Tories disappoint on GM food action
5 August 2008
People across Brighton and Hove may be eating genetically-modified (GM) foods without even knowing it warns the Green Party.
Queens Park Green councillor Paul Steedman has called on the city council’s trading standards team to investigate the use of unlabelled GM products in the city’s cafés, restaurants and pubs.
Brighton and Hove council’s ruling Tory cabinet considered Councillor Steedman’s request at their meeting on 10 July.
At the meeting, Tory councillor Geoffrey Theobald said,“ Trading Standards are aware of the issues relating to GM, but their current sampling programme does not include GM foods.
“Obviously, if information is received that suggests a problem within the city, they have the flexibility to amend the programme to take account of this."
Paul (left) who is the Greens’ spokesperson on sustainability, said, “Of course, the only way that such information will be received is if the council do the sampling - so it's Tory 'do nothing' answer.”
While it is legal for catering establishments to use certain types of GM oil in their food, they are required to reveal it on the menu or on a prominent notice.
In some parts of the country, including Norfolk and York, trading standards officers have found that GM ingredients are being routinely used without any form of labelling by numerous caterers.
Paul explained, “Most people would be shocked and outraged to find out that they were eating GM food without even knowing it.
“Trading Standards must investigate to reassure the public that they can make an informed choice when eating out.”
Failure to comply with the GM labelling requirements is a criminal offence with a penalty of up to £20,000.
Paul has asked Trading Standards to:
• investigate whether unlabelled GM products, especially cooking oil, are being used in catering establishments across the city;
• take action to remind local businesses of their legal obligations in respect of the labelling of GM products;
• take the strongest possible action against offending businesses, where repeated and wilful breaches of the law are occurring.
“The people of Brighton and Hove have comprehensively rejected genetically modified products.
In 2003, the Council passed a motion making us the first local authority in the South East to become a GM-free zone, “ Paul added.
“However, despite massive public opposition, the Government is once again expressing its support for GM technologies following extensive lobbying from the biotech industry.
“The Council must act to defend our record on GM and to uphold the law.”
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane Green Party External Communications Coordinator on 07931 231390.[ENDS]
