CAMPAIGNERS calling for a ban on the sale of genetically engineered products at foodstores say they will step up their protests in the light of mounting public concern.

Burnley and District Friends of the earth protested outside Burnley's Sainsbury store with a "gene beast" monster to raise awareness of the dangers of GM foods.

Now chairman Les Marsden says the group aims to link with other environmental groups for an East Lancashire-wide campaign.

Meanwhile, Sainsburys say their new GM foods hotline has been inundated with calls from worried customers seeking advice on the issue.

Telephone lines at the Altrincham centre received 2,500 calls within just 30 hours of opening.

Since then they say there has been no let up and 400 calls were dealt with in just one busy 20-minute period.

The company say the lines will remain open as long as demand exists.

Operators are telling concerned customers that 40 to 50 Sainsbury own brand products contain GM products and all are clearly marked in bold print.

Explanatory leaflets were also available at service desks at all stores. "Sainsburys are not judging the issues, but are giving customers the clear option to decide themselves," said one operator.

Other chains today announced their positions on the GM foods issue:

McDonald's, which has two products containing GM ingredients, says it aims to phase them out and for McDonald's to be GM free as soon as possible.

Burger King say they too intend to ban GM food as soon as possible, but at present there are some ingredients in some of its products.

Marks and Spencer says it does use GM ingredients in many products at the moment, but intends to minimise them and replace them them wherever possible.

To ensure fish and chips are GM free, people should check that they are not being cooked in soya oil, which may contain modified soya, says a spokesman at the Consumer Association.

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