Government refuses to ban GM maize

04 August 1998

Government refuses to ban GM maize

THE Government has refused to ban the commercial use of genetically modified maize.

Environmentalists say that GM maize can affect organisms further up the food chain, such as lacewings, which prey on plant-eating pests.

Michael Meacher, the environment minister, said there was no justification yet for a ban, but did call for more research into the efects of GM crops on beneficial insects such as the lacewings.

• The Times 04/08/98 page 1