HEALTH inspectors are to investigate the sale of "Frankenstein" foods in Bury.

And they are calling on the Government to impose a much longer moratorium on genetically modified foods.

Town hall bosses are also to ask local people what they think, if it should be labelled and whether they would eat it.

The proposals were unanimously agreed at Wednesday's public protection committee.

Councillor John Byrne, deputy leader of the council, said everyone should have learned the lesson of the mad cow disease scandal, especially early scientific claims that BSE would not transmit to humans. Coun Byrne, who said he was always suspicious of large drug companies, added: "People are genuinely frightened about what's happening.

"They have a right to know what's in a product and we have to give people the right to make that choice. It's right to say: 'Wait'."

Bury is also demanding that the Government consults local authorities before authorising field trials to grow GM crops, and that residents who live nearby are notified.

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