THE CONTROVERSIAL issue of GM food was brought to Lancaster's streets at the weekend as protesters called on the city's MP to lobby for an outright ban.

North Lancashire Real Food Group fear that GM crops due to receive Government approval could pose serious risks to health and the environment.

They are particularly worried about a GM maize which has been genetically modified by biotech firm Aventis to be tolerant to their herbicide and have called on Hilton Dawson to take their concerns to the heart of Government.

One campaigner, Lyndsey Foster, said: "This is a very serious issue which cannot be taken lightly. The Government should be there to protect our health and our environment - not just the interests of biotech companies. Our fears about these crops are supported by a lot of frightening evidence. This maize is to be fed to cattle but it has only ever been tested on chickens for a few weeks. This is supposed to prove its safety - it's ridiculous."

The Real Food Group has been set up to campaign on food safety issues and in response to the group's request Hilton Dawson agreed to write to Prime Minister Tony Blair asking him to use his powers to effect an immediate ban.

Another member, Pat Salkeld, added: "The GM maize should not have received approval. This country has already suffered far too many food crises. We need an urgent review of how we produce food in this country. Banning GM maize would be a step in the right direction."