GM food labelling call

Consumers are moving towards organic produce

New research by the Welsh Consumer Council shows the majority of people in Wales continue to be worried about genetically modified food.

In a response to the survey, the consumer watchdog is calling for more work on the long-term impact of GM foods, and clearer labelling in shops so customers know exactly what they are buying.

It is important that the information is provided in an open way

Chris Llewellyn, Welsh Consumer Council

The Welsh Consumer Council is urging the way forward is a sensible look at the whole issue of GM foods.

The council has argued that "Frankenstein food" headlines in the media has not helped clarify the facts and that a more rational public debate is required.

Chris Llewellyn WCC: 'No secrets'

"It is important that the information is provided in an open way so there is not a sense that things are being kept from people," said Chris Llewellyn of the WCC.

Consumer power has brought about a growing move towards organic produce in supermarkets.

But evidence suggests that the majority of customers buying organic goods do not have children, suggesting the cost of such produce remains out of the reach of families.

Meanwhile, Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM has denied suggestions that attempts are being made to "bypass" Assembly Agriculture Secretary Christine Gwyther on the issue of GM foods.

Mr Thomas, who chairs the agriculture committee, said a letter to the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment had been written with Ms Gwyther's knowledge.

He said he was following up a cross party motion, put forward on 24 May, stating the Assembly could block trials based on independent legal opinion, which was gained by Friends of the Earth Cymru.