May 17/00 / PA News / By Amanda Brown, Environment Correspondent, PA News
Friends of the Earth has, according to this story, called for an immediate
ban on the outdoor testing of genetically modified oilseed rape and maize
after shop-bought honey was found to contain GM pollen.
FoE was cited as saying the honey was bought in an area where GM crops were
grown last year.
The British beekeeping industry is taking steps to ensure that its honey is
free from GM contamination and has advised members to move hives at least
six miles from the nearest GM trial site.
However, if GM crops get full commercial approval, the location of the GM
sites will not have to be made public and beekeepers won't be able to move
their hives.
The honey bought by Friends of the Earth was sent to Austria for analysis.
Two samples - one from a jar of honey and one honeycomb, were found to
contain "genetically modified components".
(posted without permission)
