from Philip Richardson, Manor Farm, Wymondham, Norfolk
Sir; Patrick Holden's attack on the Food Standards Agency (Letters, October 5) contains, as usual, his own distorted view to suit the agenda of the Soil Association.
The FSA advised the government to oppose labelling of products derived from GM crops, regardless of whether GMs are detectable in the final product, on the very substantial grounds of practicality and in order to prevent widespread abuse which would devalue all forms of GM labeling.
Paper audit trails are only likely to be acceptable when there is a high degree of trust throughout the chain.
They are more likely to be trusted when chains are short, when audits are clearly seen to be rigorous and independently controlled and, arguably, when confined to national produce.
For many imported organic products the paper trail is distinctly dubious, and the organic movement needs to be careful that rogue products do not damn the entire sector.
Trust in the good intentions of all QA schemes is vital, for none of them can give 100% guaranteed adherence to standards.
There are, for instance, many documented cases of pesticide residues found in organic products. So practicality, coupled with openness, are vital ingredients for every sector, if we are to retain consumer trust.
{{COMMENT & LETTERS }}
Sir; Patrick Holden's attack on the Food Standards Agency (Letters, October 5) contains, as usual, his own distorted view to suit the agenda of the Soil Association.
The FSA advised the government to oppose labelling of products derived from GM crops, regardless of whether GMs are detectable in the final product, on the very substantial grounds of practicality and in order to prevent widespread abuse which would devalue all forms of GM labeling.
Paper audit trails are only likely to be acceptable when there is a high degree of trust throughout the chain.
They are more likely to be trusted when chains are short, when audits are clearly seen to be rigorous and independently controlled and, arguably, when confined to national produce.
For many imported organic products the paper trail is distinctly dubious, and the organic movement needs to be careful that rogue products do not damn the entire sector.
Trust in the good intentions of all QA schemes is vital, for none of them can give 100% guaranteed adherence to standards.
There are, for instance, many documented cases of pesticide residues found in organic products. So practicality, coupled with openness, are vital ingredients for every sector, if we are to retain consumer trust.
{{COMMENT & LETTERS }}
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