Meacher Continues to Clash with FSA over Organic Benefits

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Tuesday, 10 December 2002

Britain's food standards watchdog has clashed with environment minister Michael Meacher after he was asked by the minister to be more positive about the benefits of organic food.

In letters seen by the Guardian, Professor Sir John Krebs, chairman of the food standards agency, has warned ministers not to challenge his independence adding that it would be "inappropriate" to "support any particular food promotion scheme".

Organic campaigners who have seethed for two years over the agency's apparent antagonism to their movement are now threatening open warfare, questioning Sir John's credibility,and suggesting a "more neutral body" should conduct research into the health, quality and environmental differences between organics and conventionally produced food.

Source: James Meikle, The Guardian Saturday December 7. For full story visit:
www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,855647,00.html