Supermarket Actions Against Genetically Manipulated Food

March 15th and March 22nd saw actions against genetically manipulated food in Sainsbury's stores in London. A group of people went shopping for food containing ingredients that could possibly have been genetically manipulated. At a pre-arranged time they joined different queues at checkouts and when asked for payment they asked the cashier to tell them if the products contained any genetically manipulated ingredients. Of course the cashier was unable to do so. Explaining that this was exactly the reason for the protest they refused to pay and requested to see the manager. At this point others came in with banners and music, while the rest of the group joined in by either asking their cashiers the same questions or leafleting the people around the supermarket. Meanwhile someone else started a very loud rant to explain to anyone who could hear, the reason for the action and the issue in general. Shoppers did not seem annoyed at the delay, many in fact seemed disgusted by the way the protestors were forced out of the store for attempting to inform them about products that were on sale. The protest continued outside the supermarket with the drummers, banners and more leafleting as well as friendly warnings from policemen not to go back on the premises. For more info contact 0171 561 9146 or WEN (Womens Environmental Network) on 0171 247 3327.