Strict controls Placed On AgResearch Approval

Strict controls Placed On AgResearch Approval

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has placed strict controls on an approval for Crown research institute AgResearch to genetically modify bacterial and mammalian cells, mice, goats, sheep and cattle.

After hearing all the evidence, the decision-making committee of the Authority granted approval to AgResearch to develop GM goats, sheep and cattle to produce therapeutic proteins in milk. The approval is for research purposes only, to be conducted in full containment at Ruakura.

The Authority considered the main benefit of this research to be an increase in scientific knowledge and the capacity for innovation in New Zealand.

The approval is subject to stringent conditions, which include:

• Imposing stringent containment measures, such as two-metre high, double fencing of outdoor containment facilities;

• Preventing animal products from entering the food chain;

• Limiting the approval to research only;

• Restricting the research to AgResearch’s Ruakura facility; and

• Limiting the range of modifications and types of organisms, and excluding some organisms.

A full list of the controls is detailed in Appendix 2 of the decision.

Committee chair Richard Woods said the application received 1545 written submissions, and 37 submitters presented oral submissions at a two-day hearing in Hamilton in March. Submitters expressed a range of views both for and against the application.

Concerns for the welfare of the animals involved in the research were raised at the hearing and considered by the Authority. The Authority recognised that this was an issue and noted that animal welfare is overseen by the AgResearch Animal Ethics Committee, appointed under the Animal Welfare Act. The AgResearch Animal Ethics Committee includes among its members a representative of the SPCA, an independent veterinarian, and a lay member of the public.

Concerns were also raised about the possibility of products from research animals (such as meat and milk) entering the human food chain. All GM foods must be approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand and no approvals have been given for food derived from GM animals. The Authority has therefore imposed controls to ensure the food chain is not affected.

To read the full decision, go to: http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/find/WebResultsDetails.aspx?ID=1103

ENDS

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