Mowlam promises tougher GM rules
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MO MOWLAM, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, haspledged to reform the "haphazard" labelling system for genetically modified foods at the launch of a new government website on GM crops.
Ms Mowlam said the Government was committed to introducing "common sense" in the debate over GM foods and was working hard in Europe to tighten regulations on labelling. She was speaking at the launch at an Internet shop in central London of the website - www.gm-info.gov.uk.
Ms Mowlam said the Government was using information provided through the Internet to combat fears about GM foods. She added: "At the moment, labelling is pretty haphazard and we want to work with the retail and business sectors and the consumer groups to get a system that the consumers feel happy with and which is scientifically meaningful and people buy into."
The Government has already introduced labelling rules for GM foods sold by retailers, caterers and restaurants. Early next year, new rules on labelling of additives and flavourings will be introduced. The Food Standards Agency, which is due to be up and running next year, will also work on food labelling, including GM products.
In an article in The Express newspaper, Ms Mowlam said the Government had created one of the toughest regulatory systems in the world for GM foods. She wrote: "If Elizabethan England had the sort of regulatory system we have now, there is no way the potato would ever have been introduced into this country."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments