Consumers should seek information before deciding to purchase genetically modified foods, Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea said yesterday in a statement.

The statement was issued on occasion of World Consumer Rights day which was celebrated yesterday. The theme, GM foods, was chosen by the world union for consumer rights associations precisely because there still is not enough information on GM

products.

Before being placed on the market, the EU is insisting that such foods should go through rigorous checks and procedures which guarantee transparency in such a manner that producers can be held responsible should these products have adverse effects on the consumer or the environment.

Regarding the operations of the Division for Consumer rights and Competitiveness, the minister explained its employees are undergoing continuous training so that the rights of consumers may be safeguarded.

Over 1,300 cases are registered with the division each year, most of which are resolved amicably, Minister Galea explained. However, when an amicable settlement fails, consumers have the right to take things further and seek legal action.

Consumers today have all the means to protect themselves should they feel their rights are being tempered with.

The division is currently drafting a quality service charter, one in the directorate of operations and another in the directorate for information and services.

This process is being undertaken so the division’s work is better understood by the public in order that it can avail itself better of the services being provided, the minister concluded.