CONSUMERS ARE becoming more concerned about the health and safety of genetically modified crops, a survey by Which, the Consumers‘ Association magazine, has found.

The survey showed that 61% of consumers are uneasy about the use of GM in food production (56% in 2002) and 58% try to avoid GM ingredients altogether (a 13% increase).

Friends of the Earth stated that the results proved the government was out of step with the public.

The campaign group said that the current government consultation on GM and non-GM coexistence measures, were aimed only at introducing a level of GM contamination in line with the EU labelling threshold of 0.9%.

But the campaign group believed that much stricter measures should be put in place to meet a 0.1% threshold and address public concerns.

FoE GM campaigner, Clare Oxborrow said: “Public opposition to GM food and crops is growing, yet the government is planning to allow widespread GM contamination of non-GM crops.

“If this happens people will find it increasingly difficult to avoid GM food,” said Ms Oxborrow.

“The government must listen to the public and introduce tough new rules to keep our food, farming and environment GM-free,” she said.