GM FOOD

GM food critic to give lecture at local college
25 September 2003

	The talk will include a simple but graphic demonstration
	Video files are available. Download the latest Quicktime plug-in to view them.

Local environmental campaigner, Ben Aspinall, is to give a talk at Carlton Bolton Sixth Form College, about the issues surrounding the production of GM foods.

Aspinall, who is the AWARE Northern Divisional Spokesman, is currently leading a protest against supermarket giant U Save, over their inclusion of GM products in their stores. The talk, entitled "Genetic modification, facts and fears", will be held on Thursday 1st October at 8.00pm and all are welcome.

Aspinall promises that the talk will include a simple but graphic demonstration how the process of genetic modification works and a discussion of the potential long-term effects of GM products.

Although he has previously faced criticism from scientist over both the accuracy of his research and his alleged "scaremongering tactics", Aspinall argues, "GM food is a scary subject, even scientists can't say it is a risk-free process. I just tell people the facts and leave them to make up their own minds." However, lab technician Andy, who works at the college counters, "Ben tries to simplify a highly complex issue, using a few glib sound-bites which, only serve to scare people. There is no straight answer and people need full and detailed information in order to form their own opinions. We need honest debate and we are not going to get that by scaring people."