Officials have failed consumers by approving Golden Rice in a flawed and unprecedented decision. [1]
The absence of any benefit for New Zealand consumers has been ignored and there is growing international concern about the decision. [2]
There is no requirement to label the rice as being "pro-Vitamin A", setting a dangerous precedent for other nutriceutical foods which will leave consumers in the dark about nutrient changes in food.
The absence of any independent safety testing for unintended consequences should have led Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to decline the application.
"FSANZ have made a big mistake and an independent investigation of the decision is warranted. The organisation's credibility is called into question in an unprecedented way," said Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE-Free NZ (in food and environment).
"Why did Food Safety Minister Damien O'Conner not request a review in the absence of safety studies of GM rice?"
Food Safety Minister Damien O'Conner has failed in his duty to the New Zealand public by not taking action to have the approval reviewed. FSANZ must be called to account for a deeply flawed decision.
References:
[1] http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/changes/gazette/Pages/AmendmentNo177.aspx
[2] https://sustainablepulse.com/2018/02/21/civil-society-groups-slam-fsanz-approval-of-gmo-golden-rice/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=gmos_and_pesticides_global_breaking_news&utm_term=2018-02-21
Jon Carapiet - National Spokesman 0210507681
Claire Bleakley 027 348 6731 |
