GM Bar Codes for UK?

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Thursday, 13 February 2003

The British government is considering forcing biotech companies to use "DNA bar coding" to identify genetically modified organisms.

The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) in Cambridge, was granted a patent this week on a DNA bar-coding technique. The technology would make it easier for regulators to trace GM food or detect crops that have been contaminated by GM strains.

A spokesman for DEFRA said it is too early to commit to any one method, but told New Scientist that such technology would be "actively encouraged". A recent European Union directive gives governments the power to make it compulsory.

Source: New Scientist 13 February 03