Concern has been expressed about our future food security and one possible solution suggested has been the promotion of GM crops.

I agree with Michael Sackin ("GM crops fear", Mailbox, August 13). The big companies involved will certainly benefit. Their main concern is profit.

However, a statement issued by 21 scientists from seven countries stated: "With genetic engineering familiar foods could become metabolically dangerous or even toxic." Many other scientists express similar fears.

There will be food shortages everywhere as the world's population increases. Other major problems the world faces include climate change, the supply of fresh water, the loss of marine life, deforestation, deserts spreading, acid rain, pollution, loss of biodiversity and soil degradation.

A common factor which contributes to all these problems is a diet heavily dependent on meat, fish and dairy products. The intensive farming of animals already demands 70 per cent of the world's agricultural land for grazing or growing food for them. GM crops need not be considered if people would be willing to make dietary changes.

A reduction in, or better still the elimination of meat, fish and dairy products would help avert future environmental catastrophe. However, I doubt whether any politician has the guts to make such an unpopular suggestion!

Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.