New concern that meat from cloned animals has entered the UK food chain makes it more urgent for New Zealand producers to commit to a ban on cloned animals to protect our export reputation.
A ban on sale of milk and meat from cloned animals is necessary for marketing reasons alone, not to mention serious animal welfare issues, the right of consumers to know what we are eating, and the need to maintain public confidence in food safety.
Cloning and genetic engineering will destroy the already-struggling sheep and beef industry, as well as undermine Fonterra's global reputation built off New Zealand's brand image.
The importation of cloned meat into New Zealand should also be banned. The cavalier attitude of regulators to traceability, labelling and testing of imported products, whether GE, cloned or contaminated with toxic pesticides, is a ticking time-bomb for the food industry.
"The integrity of the food system is being compromised by food authorities pursuing an agenda to promote trade," says Jon Carapiet from GE free NZ in food and environment.
"Food safety, consumer rights and standards for ethical treatment of animals are being sacrificed for trade, including with countries like the US and Canada which have allowed GE and products from clones to contaminate their food system."
There are greater benefits to New Zealand from keeping GE and cloned products out of our food supply, and building on our international reputation for clean, green, natural and safe food.
"As future food-related disease, degradation of the environment, and animal suffering become even more important market drivers, New Zealand must protect and build on our world-class reputation. We need to maintain the New Zealand brand as clone-free, GE-free, ethical and sustainable."
ENDS
Jon Carapiet 0210507681
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