More about the steering group for a public dialogue on food and use of GM
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has set up an independent steering group to shape and manage a public dialogue on genetic modification (GM) in food.
The steering group was established in November 2009 after the FSA was asked by the Government to take forward a programme of public engagement on GM.
The steering group will inform and shape the public engagement project, and will make the key decisions about how the dialogue is designed and delivered. It is responsible for approving all materials that are used in the dialogue and the project’s evaluation.
The specific aims and objectives of the project, as well as the steering group's terms of reference, were discussed and agreed at the first steering group meeting held on 25–26 November 2009. The project aims and objectives, and terms of reference of the steering group can be found at the links below. At this stage it is anticipated that this project will take around 12 months.
The steering group is led by Professor John Curtice.
On behalf of Government, the FSA is responsible for project management of the public dialogue about food and the use of GM.
Why does GM food need to be discussed?
The Government asked the FSA to take forward a programme of public engagement on GM with the aim of discussing consumers’ views of the risks and benefits of GM and to understanding what further information people need to make informed choices about the food they eat.
The key reasons for discussing GM food with the UK public are:
- the increasing price of food
- global food security
- the role new technologies may play in future food production
In August 2009, the FSA and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affair (Defra) published responses to the ‘Food Matters’ report produced by the Cabinet Office in July 2008. These responses highlighted the concerns raised by the food and feed sectors that it will, in time, be difficult to maintain a non-GM supply chain for food manufacturers and retailers.
The FSA announced the public dialogue about food and the use of GM on 16 September 2009, as part of the Chief Executive’s report to the FSA Board at its open meeting. The report can be found at the link below.
Who is on the steering group?
The steering group consists of public dialogue specialists and people involved in different areas of GM and with different views on the subject. For further information on members, see the Membership page via the link below.
Related links
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