New Zealand Animals Fed Genetically Engineered Soy

Wednesday 29 November, Auckland – Greenpeace today raised concerns that the Feed Manufacturers and Poultry Industry Association have previously failed to inform the NZ public that animal feed in this country contains genetically engineered soy meal.

“The animal feeds industry is sneaking GE contamination into our food chain – what assurances can they give to concerned consumers who want the right to eat true food?” said Sarah Duthie, Greenpeace.

Yesterday during hearings at the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification the Feed Manufacturers and Poultry Industry Association revealed they are likely to be using genetically engineered soy meal in their animal feed. Last week in a NZ Herald article they stated they were uncertain whether the feed contained a GE component.

“Consumers in New Zealand are already rejecting foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients. The fact that this industry has only now admitted that it is probably using Genetically Engineered soy in its animal feed will make consumers suspicious.”

The feed is used by Chicken and Pig farms in New Zealand.

“Consumers should have the right to choose to avoid contaminated foods. In Europe growing concern over GE fed animals has led to commitments from the poultry industry to supply GE free chickens.”

For more information contact: Sarah Duthie, Greenpeace on 09 630 6317 or 025 927 301

Tamsin Vuetilovoni Communications Officer Genetic Engineering Campaign Greenpeace New Zealand ph +64 9 630 6317 fax +64 9 630 7121 tvuetilo@nz.greenpeace.org

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