New EU rules that come into force April 18 will expand GM labelling requirements across the Continent.

Forum Response: British Retail Consortium

Richard Ali, BRC director of Food Policy, said: "UK retailers are leading the rest of Europe on providing information on whether products contain GM ingredients.  The new rules will provide customers in the rest of Europe with the same level of information that UK customers have been enjoying for years.

"UK retailers continue to have a non-GM policy in their own brand foods. We provide total choice for our customers. Whatever a customer wants, they can find it - clearly labelled - on the shelves. 

"Unfortunately, recent weeks have seen a state of unscientific, misleading campaigns by some pressure groups who are intent on spreading misinformation and food angst for political and fundraising reasons.

"Instead of trying to scare the public, pressure groups should be celebrating the fact that the new rules have finally raised labelling in the EU to UK levels."