TV chef leads campaign against GM foods

The Irish cookery writer and broadcaster Ms Darina Allen is to lead an international campaign seeking a ban on genetically-modified foods. The campaign will be launched in London today by Greenpeace and 100 of Europe's top restaurateurs, chefs and food writers.

The new group claims GM food production is not sufficiently researched and represents an unacceptable risk. In a statement, it said: "As food professionals we object to the introduction of genetically-engineered foods into the food chain.

"This is imposing a genetic experiment on the public, which could have unpredictable and irreversible adverse consequences. We are deeply concerned that this is the wrong direction for food policy to take."

This is the first time that such prominent writers, specialising in every area of the food industry, have joined forces to influence the direction of food policy, according to Greenpeace's executive director, Lord Melchett.

He added: "This campaign for safe sustainable food production will embrace consumers, chefs, food professionals, growers, gardeners - anyone with an interest in food.

"We oppose the introduction of GM food and campaign to increase the availability of organic produce."

Ms Allen said in her view genetic engineering was not a precise science.

"There is no turning back, no second chances. We must be sure we're right and, if that means waiting another 25 years, so be it," she said.