A SURVEY has shown more than 70 per cent of people quizzed in Worcester's High Street are concerned about the effects of eating genetically-modified food.

High Street shoppers were quizzed by members of the county's Greenpeace group who are campaigning against GM crops being used in animal feed.

A total of 82 per cent said they did not agree with the practice, claiming there was not enough research into the possible harmful effects on human health.

"The people we spoke to felt they had little knowledge about the possible dangers or whether safeguards were in place," said Peter Robinson, Worcestershire Greenpeace co-ordinator. "This is one of the reasons we are running this campaign. There is very little information about the possible effects of GM food."

Greenpeace is currently campaigning to stop Danepak feeding GM animal feed to pigs.

"When it comes to labelling products, the information is normally in very small print at the back of the tin or packet," said Mr Robinson.

"We're highlighting Danepak's position and that of British supermarkets so that shoppers can make a choice about whether they eat GM foods or not.

"At the moment we are often unaware of the presence of GM ingredients."

A second survey was also conducted in Hereford, which more or less mirrored the results in Worcester.

Seventy per cent said they would not eat GM food, 80 per cent said they felt the crops could harm the environment but 50 per cent admitted they did not check the ingredients of a product.

If anyone would like more information during GM Month of Action ring Mr Robinson on 01905 616439 or email robbos@cheerful.com

A spokeswoman for Danepak said Greenpeace was targeting Denmark to try and get the country to increase the number of pigs fed on GM-free feed.

"Danepak buy pigs from Denmark and there is a limited amount of meat from pigs fed GM-free feed. They are trying to source as much as possible because they want to sell products customers want to buy.

"If there is consumer concern, Danepak will respond but it has not been picked up in research so far."