Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering. Currently, the EU has one of the stringent regulations of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) foods in the the world. All GMOs, along with irradiated food, are considered "new food" and are subject to extensive, case-by-case, science-based food evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority. There are currently no GM crops being grown commercially in the UK although scientists are carrying out controlled trials. In the UK, foods have to be labelled as GM if they contain genetically modified plants or animals. GM foods can only be sold if the Food Standards Agency judges that they do not present a risk to health.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Constituency
Parish
Response rates from 8.4k ME voters.
62% Yes |
38% No |
40% Yes |
38% No |
18% Yes, but require the labelling of foods that are genetically modified |
|
4% Yes, but producers should not be able to patent seeds |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 8.4k ME voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 8.4k ME voters.
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Unique answers from ME voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@9NPWMLQ 6mos6MO
Yes, but there must be clear containment programmes in place to ensure there is not unintended hybridisation with neighbouring crops and foods that are not genetically engineered.
@9NK5G9W6mos6MO
Yes, to some extent but it should be restricted to ethical reasons such as eliminating disease etc. and not patented.
@9NJFWC66mos6MO
Provided there is regulatory control and monitoring. labelling is important - consumers should know what they are buying
@9NS4Q4G6mos6MO
Yes, but their production should be supervised at every step by health inspectors, and the seeds should not be able to be patented.
@9NQ8VFS6mos6MO
Yes, but thorough research should be undertaken to prevent potential environmental impacts of crossbreeding between genetically modified plants and wild plants.
@9TQ7Q562mos2MO
Yes, but there should be a period before they are released to the public. Biologists have explained the risks of genetically engineered crops (such as outcropping and disease related complications), so they'd be best suited to underground, isolated locations.
@9SGRY5P3mos3MO
Yes, but generically modified crops should have stricter labelling of what they were treated with, they should also only be able to sell crops that re-seed.
@9QKGT8Q5mos5MO
Yes, but only if the modification is to find cleaner/greener ways of growing crops that help sustain the environment.
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