杏吧原创

IF FRESH tomatoes with added genes are approved for sale in Britain, they
should carry labels to warn consumers, say the government鈥檚 independent
advisers on food. If ministers accept the recommendation from the Food
Advisory Committee, any genetically engineered food containing 鈥渓ive鈥� added
genes will need a label.

Calgene of Davis, California, applied last year to have its genetically-
engineered Flavr Savr tomato approved for sale in Britain. Genes added to the
tomatoes prolong their shelf life.

Several genetically modified foods are already on sale in British
supermarkets, including tomato paste. But the advisory committee and the
government have said that they do not need labels because processing destroys
the added genes.

Last week鈥檚 recommendation marks a hardening of the committee鈥檚 stance on
labelling. Previously it said that labels would be necessary only where an
extra gene could cause offence if, for example if an animal gene had been
added to a vegetarian product. One factor prompting the change of heart is the
prospect of new European laws on food labelling. If approved by the European
Parliament this month, the draft directive would make labelling of genetically
engineered products containing 鈥渓ive鈥� genes compulsory.

Consumer groups argue that shoppers should be told when they are buying
genetically engineered food.

But the verdict has dismayed Calgene, which has written to the government
in protest. 鈥淲e believe mandatory labelling is unnecessary because it would
not provide any benefit for the consumer to know it鈥檚 genetically engineered,鈥�
says spokeswoman Carolyn Hayworth.