The main body representing Irish consumers has strongly criticised the "use of scare tactics to dissuade consumers from buying genetically modified (GM) foods".
The Consumers' Association of Ireland has said, nonetheless, that people "should not be force-fed these products" facilitated by way of unlabelled products on supermarket shelves. In a response to growing public concerns surrounding GM foods, it underlined consumers' fundamental right to know what they are eating, and to know that it is safe.
"In the absence of solid proof that GM foods are dangerous, we believe the decision to buy these products should lie with the consumer. Labelling is vital to make a clear decision. As an independent body, we feel it's not right to use scare tactics to dissuade consumers from consuming GM foods," a CAI statement said.
The CAI said it was not against GM foods in principle, nor did it suggest that GM food and GM ingredients are in any general sense unsafe. However, consumers, the CAI added, had "the fundamental right to have the option of a GM-free alternative, if they so choose" when buying food. This could be exercised only if information was provided with details about the process of gene technology in a prescribed format. Under current EU labelling arrangements, most GM products do not have to be labelled, though more wide-ranging regulations are to be introduced this year.
On the "crucial questions", whether the Government should ban GM foods until scientific evidence that they are harmless, or whether these products should be kept on the market until science has identified real dangers, the CAI concluded there was no right answer.
"If we ban GM foods, we are limiting consumer choice, and even after a ban and extensive testing, there may still be no conclusive evidence of a health risk. The alternative is to authorise GM foods that have followed strict regulations and clearly label those products while conventional products remain available."
Young Fine Gael has rejected as "emotive and unfounded" comparisons of modern biotechnology with technologies such as the nuclear industry. In its new policy document on GM foods, it advocates "a progressive, balanced and considered biotechnology policy for the future" and rejects the "Jurassic Park-type view of genetic modification" which has taken hold in many consumers.
Green MEP Ms Nuala Ahern said the CAI stance contradicted that of European and British consumer associations "who have all called for moratoriums on GM crop development, particularly in light of recent scientific reports".
The Green Party has pointed out that Greens in the European Parliament backed key elements of the Bowe Report recently, such as new demands for full GM product liability and more extensive labelling, but in a formal vote on the overall report voted against it because of reservations about some aspects. Green MEPs, nonetheless, allowed the report - which sets out reforms of EU regulations on the release of GM organisms - proceed to the next stage of the EU legislative process.
