Tories rally against Frankenstein foods

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The Government has produced draft proposals allowing genetically modified crops to be grown commercially in this country.

But critics warn that the pollen from these farms will inevitably spread. This will effectively destroy the right of consumers to choose not to eat food tainted with GM and do lasting damage to the organic food industry.

Under the plans, the GM pollen pollution of conventional and organic crops or honey will be legalised up to a threshold of 0.9 per cent.

Any crop contaminated up to this level would not need to be labelled, effectively leaving consumers in the dark about what they are eating.

Farmers whose crops suffer higher levels of contamination will be entitled to little, if any, compensation.

An alliance of 74 organic businesses, the Food & Drink Federation and the Soil Association will meet at the Commons today to challenge the GM plan.

Tory food and farming spokesman Peter Ainsworth MP said: "This is an issue about consumer choice. Scientists tell us they can trace GM content to 0.1 per cent and consequently food labelling should reflect this.

"With the concerns surrounding GM food we believe that the public should be told the GM content so they can make an informed choice about what they buy."

The system for assessing the safety of pesticides is to be challenged in the courts.

Campaigner Georgina Downs argues that the Government's claims that crop-spraying is safe are not backed up by proper research and evidence.

And a High Court judge has decided her concerns should be investigated through a judicial review.

Miss Downs said: "There has never been any risk assessment for the long-term exposure for those who live, work or go to school near pesticide-sprayed fields."