Professor Will Waites, a professor of food microbiology at the University of Nottingham who speaks on behalf of Cropgen, a scientific body linked to the GM food industry, was critical.

BBC: GM eating habits study 'worthless'

Nearly half of the 90 beverages from soda fountain machines in one area in Virginia tested positive for coliform bacteria -- which could indicate possible fecal contamination, according to a study published in the January issue of International Journal of Food Microbiology.

CNN: Soda fountains contained fecal bacteria, study found

"We always emphasise that use-by dates are the most important, as these relate to food safety, " said its head of hygiene and microbiology, Liz Redmond.

BBC: Scrap food sell-by dates, government urges manufacturers