Three quarters of Italians see genetically modified (GMO) foods as a health hazard, according to research published on Friday. European consumers are known for being wary of GMO foods, but the biotech industry says its products are perfectly safe and no different to conventional foods. But a study conducted by Italys major farm body Coldiretti and research centre ISPO showed 74 percent of Italians believed GMOs could damage human health.

That represented a 4 percent increase on a similar survey last year. The study, presented at the International Forum on Agriculture and Food organised by Coldiretti, was based on a survey of 4,093 Italians who represented the countrys population breakdown by gender, age, profession and residence. More Italians are opting for organic food, with 71 percent saying they prefer products free of chemical additives, it showed.
(Planet Ark, 23/10/2006)
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