Cynics who insist that it is impossible to discuss genetic modification without the dialogue being laced with emotional rhetoric, personal abuse and Frankenstein-masked protestors in white suits hurling cans of red paint, were confounded in London on Tuesday. For the meeting organised by this magazine to discuss the motion Time to put GM foods back on the shelves?' was remarkable in many ways ­ but notably for the sane manner in which the speakers and audience alike debated the most controversial issue facing the food chain. This was intelligent discussion without crackpot fringes and inarticulate legislators. Sure, there's a very long way to go before the confused and doubting British public can finally put the GM concept into perspective. But perhaps, just perhaps, the tide is finally turning and calm discussion can triumph over hysterical rhetoric? And much of the credit for that goes to our speakers on Tuesday, Monsanto agricultural chief Hugh Grant and Soil Association director Patrick Holden who, while holding dramatically different views, set about debating the GM foods issue in such a constructive manner. But as the Monsanto man said at the start of the meeting, three years ago the event would not have been possible. The often arrogant GM promoters had failed to sway a British public battered by BSE, salmonella and E.coli and the term Frankenfood' was on many lips. Having said that, it will take more than an evening in Westminster to put the issue into perspective for British shoppers. The misinformation machines and muddled messages from authority are still in operation, despite continued pleas for a more informed, scientific debate. The Grocer organised Tuesday's event because we believe the most important issue ever to face food science merits a more balanced hearing than has so far been delivered on this side of the Atlantic. Hopefully, the evening will be seen as a significant step in separating myths from real facts. Clive Beddall, Editor {{OPINION }}