LAST month the United States government filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) about Europe's moratorium on genetically- modified crops and food.

The United States is unhappy that people in Europe are not eating GM food and the US biotech companies cannot sell their products over here.

The European ban on GM was a result of public concern about its possible effects on health and the environment.

Europe is developing tough labelling laws to ensure consumers will continue to be able to choose GM-free food.

If this WTO action succeeds, the US will be able to force GM foods on to the British public, regardless of what people here want.

In Britain opposition to GM foods remains strong; 56 per cent opposed GM foodstuffs in a recent poll (Mori, last February).

Friends Of The Earth has launched a Europe-wide e-mail action inviting anyone who is concerned by this US action to write to the American ambassador and ask the United States to withdraw the WTO complaint.

If you do not want GM crops in your fields and GM food on your shelves, please e-mail the US ambassador in Britain from the website www.foe.co.uk

P Allenby,

Kexby Avenue,

Hull Road,

York.

Updated: 10:25 Tuesday, June 03, 2003