Most voters hold "cautious, suspicious or outrightly hostile" views against genetically modified crops, a government consultation has found.

Published on Wednesday, the report said that those who took part in the "GM Nation?" debate were generally uneasy about the technology.

The report added that these reservations intensified as people looked further into the issues involved.

Forum Response: National Consumer Council

Sue Dibb, senior researcher on food issues for the National Consumer Council, said: "As a 'first' for genuinely engaging members of the public in discussions about this controversial and important issue, the GM debate was very welcome.

"But the key test of the value of this whole exercise is whether the public's views are taken on board in government decision-making on GM.

"What's more, today's report confirms our own findings, that the public mistrusts the government on GM. So it is vital that DEFRA and the government, not only take account of the GM debate in GM policymaking, but are clearly seen to be doing so."

Forum Response: Consumers' Association

Monique Warnock, campaign team leader at the Consumers' Association, said: "Today's findings echo that of a recent GM jury part funded by CA and CA's own research which found that less than a third of consumers thought that GM crops should be grown in the UK at the current time.

"Our research also showed that consumers think more information is needed about GM. People want assurances about the long-term effects.

"The consumers view could not be clearer and the government can no longer afford to hide behind industry skirts and ignore it. It must ensure that this report plays a key role in informing its decision on whether or not to commercialise GM crops in the UK.

"While Consumers' Association believes that GM does have the potential to offer consumer benefits, it is very clear that these benefits are some way off.

"There should be no GM products on the market until the government has addressed the number of consumer concerns raised today including impact on health and the environment."