HONG KONG, May 4 (AFP) - Environmental campaigners Greenpeace said Saturday most people in Hong Kong want the government to implement a labelling system to identify genetically engineered (GE) food.

A survey of 1,000 individuals, commissioned by Greenpeace and conducted by the Chinese University, found that overall awareness of GE food had risen to 86 percent now compared to 58.5 percent in 1999.

The findings indicated that 71 percent would choose GE-free food over items containing modified products, while 60 percent of respondents said they pay 10 percent more for GE-free foodstuffs.

"Generally speaking, more people in Hong Kong have become aware of the existence of GE food compared to a few years ago and there is also an indication that the resistance against this unannounced GE invasion is slowly but steadily growing," said Greenpeace campaigner Sze Pan-cheung.

"These are all undeniable facts, which clearly signal Hong Kong people's strong disapproval of such monster foods."

About nine in 10 respondents wanted the government to implement a labelling system to identify GE-free products and a similar proportion said both food manufacturers and supermarkets should inform consumers if their products were laced with GE ingredients.

"The latest survey has again confirmed that Hong Kong people's resistance in their fight against these monster foods continues unabated, but unfortunately their demand seems to be falling on deaf ears with the government continuing to ignore and write off their request for GE food labelling and ultimately a GE-free food market," said Sze.

Greenpeace released a guide to GE-free food on Saturday to help shoppers.

No labelling system for GE food, also called genetically modified (GM), exists yet in Hong Kong, although the government has indicated that a transitional voluntary labelling system could be set up soon.

GM food labelling is common in Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and in European Union countries.

Greenpeace opposes the genetic manipulation of food because of its possible danger to the environment and human health. There are concerns that GM foods may trigger new allergic reactions, affect antibiotic treatment or alter the nutritional value of food.