A NORTH-west Euro MP says shoppers must be told whether food products contain genetically modified material.

Chris Davies supports the move by the European Parliament's environment and consumer affairs committee which is calling for clear labelling rules so consumers can decide for themselves what they want to buy.

All products with a GM content of more than half of one per cent will be required to carry labels as large as those listing ingredients. Meat and dairy products from animals sustained by GM feed would also be included.

Mr Davies said: "People simply will not trust the developments in food science unless we insist on complete openness and transparency.

"But too much information may be as bad as too little. Many of us have concerns that within a few years the majority of foodstuffs may contain GM products, and we will then have no choice but to adopt a different approach."

The Committee has amended two regulations proposed by the European Commission which will lay down requirements for the sale of GM products across Europe.