IN EUROPE, the debate over genetically modified foods is on the boil. Biotechnology companies are falling out with one another while governments are considering blanket bans on the commercial growing of genetically engineered cropseven though the same crops are already being harvested and sold in the US and elsewhere (see p 4). Much of this week's issue (see p 30) is devoted to examining the science and the conflicting views behind the debate.
Many of the biggest concerns still lie in the future. But there are two urgent questions that are being asked by public and governments right now. Should all GM foods be routinely segregated by farmers and labelled by manufacturers? And should there be a moratorium on growing GM crops?
Unfortunately, the answers are anything but simple. Take the issue of labellingover which long-simmering transatlantic hostilities have finally broken out in the biotech industry. The view ...
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