BOLTON Friends of the Earth are preparing to hold a protest against genetically modified food.

The group will meet at Sainsbury's, Moor Lane, Bolton on Saturday where they will urge shoppers to demand GM free milk, meat and dairy products.

The group say their action seeks to highlight how GM food is still getting in through "the back door" in animal feed used to produce meat and dairy products. Phil Newsham, co-ordinator of Bolton Friends of The Earth said: "We are not criticising supermarkets but we want to encourage them to do more regarding animal feeds and genetically modified food."

Campaigners will be giving out leaflets and asking customers to sign suggestion slips which include questions about policy on genetically modified animal feeds.

Some of the campaigners will be wearing GM maize masks and costumes.

Mr Newsham said: "Research by Friends of The Earth shows that shoppers have made it very clear they don't want to eat GM food or food from GM fed animals." Some major retailers are responding to consumer demands but they are not going for enough, and others have not moved at all."