Frankenstein foods.

Scenes from a Wiltshire protest meeting over genetically modified crop trials set the context for this examination of some of the issues involved in the increasingly heated debate over genetically modified food. Consumer pressure has resulted in the banning of known genetically modified food by many retailers but public alarm continues because in the case of many products it is impossible to tell whether they contain some such ingredient. The programme examines the remit of the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes. Critics find it inadequate to deal with the subtle difficulties presented by this new challenge. The possible effects of genetically modified crops on the countryside is another concern which has long remained outside the scope of government committees. Weedkillers which have to be used on these crops could disrupt the food chain and lead to the loss of some species of insects and birds, but only recently has the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment been allowed to examine this issue. After the shocks of salmonella infected eggs and BSE the public has little confidence in the government and its array of committees. Taking part in the programme are Dr.Michael Antoniou (King's College, London), Prof. Donald Grierson (Nottingham University) who produced the first genetically modified food - a tomato for tomato puree; Prof. Steve Jones (University College, London); Dr. Vivienne Nathanson (British Medical Association); and Dr. Jack Cunningham M.P. The reporter is Steve Bradshaw.