Safeway (News Release)

Commenting on the announcement by UK supplier Zeneca that sales have now generated a royalty payment to the University of Nottingham for its academic research on tomatoes. Safeway said, "Although a world first for Britain in one sense, in other respects it is no different to any other product. By law, this tomato puree like all other foods has to be safe to eat, but to earn its place on the shelf it also has to offer benefits to shoppers."

Speaking at the presentation to Nottingham University Vice Chancellor Sir Colin Campbell by Zeneca Agrochemicals Research & Development Director Dr David Evans, Safeway public affairs manager, Tony Combes, said his company would continue to urge others to follow the precedent set by Zeneca.

"Successful partnerships between retailers and suppliers like Zeneca are the only way forward if we are to manage effectively the introduction of new technologies. The pace at which improvements are made is just as important as the need to explain fully to shoppers what the benefits are. The key from now on is the extent to which others will learn from the transparent way in which academia, suppliers and retailers alike have all been candid with the public."

Notes to editors: The conventional 142g can of tomato puree sells for 29p. This 142g can, and the other tubes and jars of tomato puree sold by Safeway, continue to use only conventionally grown and not GM tomatoes.

The clearly labelled GM tomato puree went on sale in February 1996 alongside the cans, tubes and jars of conventional puree. Customer information leaflets explained more about the product's attributes, its safety and the availability of further information on biotechnology.

For further GM information, contact: Tony Combes, Public Affairs manager, Safeway plc. Tel 0181 756 2928. Out of Hours Duty Press Officer, Pager 10399 1133 Quote 781204.