Greenpeace exposes GE contamination of Nestle food in New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand, 30 March 2000 – Greenpeace activists today have halted distribution of Nestle products at
Nestle’s South Auckland distribution centre. The action aims to prevent food potentially contaminated with GE
ingredients from being distributed.
“Greenpeace is closing down Nestle’s distribution site today because we have discovered that its instant soy drink,
marketed under the brand name ‘Carnation’, is contaminated with Monsanto’s genetically engineered Roundup Ready Soya”
says Carl Reller, Greenpeace GE Campaigner.
“Nestle have guaranteed that they will rid their food products of genetically engineered ingredients in Austria, France,
Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong over the past year. But at the same time they are still supplying GE
food to New Zealanders. This is unacceptable to consumers in New Zealand. GE food is not wanted, and its not needed. We
invite Nestle today to make a public commitment to go GE free in New Zealand” says Carl Reller.
Monsanto’s genetically engineered Roundup Ready soybean was first commercially planted in 1996. It now accounts for 50%
of the US soya crop. Whilst little is known about the environmental and health implications of the swift introduction of
commercially grown GE crops, the potential risks to biodiversity would be irreversible.
ENDS
Greenpeace activists are currently at the Nestle Distribution Centre, Nesdale Ave, Wiri Rd. (see map over).