Push for 'Frankenfoods' to beat shortages

Gordon Brown today urged millions of families to act against soaring food prices as he hinted that GM crops may soon be introduced in Britain.

The Prime Minister also called for world leaders at a G8 summit in Japan to take steps to bring down the cost of food and oil. The government is urging households not to waste food.

But concerns are rising that ministers might open the door to GM crops and launch a campaign to persuade people to buy the food. A Cabinet Office study is also expected to warn that buy-one-get-one-free supermarket offers are fuelling food waste. The government has shied away from promoting GM crops, which have been called "Frankenstein food".

But former chief scientist Sir David King today argued GM crops may be vital as diets change and water becomes scarcer through climate change.

The Cabinet Office paper ordered by Mr Brown also appeared to support moves towards accepting GM food as it called for the axing of "productivity restrictions".