9 September, 2003
GE food facts come home to roost

Green MP Sue Kedgley said consumers will be horrified learn just how much of the food chain has been contaminated with genetically engineered organisms, following confirmation that all Ingham's chickens are reared on feed that contains GE ingredients.

The managing director of Ingham's Chickens, Mike Rozen, made the admission following Greenpeace protests at Ingham's Hamilton factory.

"We're finally flushing out how many genetically engineered soy and other commodities are being used in the food chain but it seems just the tip of the iceberg, said Ms Kedgley, the Green spokesperson for Food Safety.

"Last week consumers were appalled to discover that all soy infant formulas and six out of seven corn chips tested in New Zealand were contaminated with GE."

Ms Kedgley said a more stringent labelling regime and full traceability regulations that inform the public of all GE ingredients is urgently needed.

"Its outrageous that there's no requirement in law that Ingham's informs consumers that the millions of chickens they raise each year are reared on genetically engineered feed," said Ms Kedgley.

"Its equally outrageous that there is no requirement that Ingham's subsidiary, Harvey Farms, inform farmers that they are purchasing genetically engineered feed.

"Surely consumers have a right to know whether the food they are eating is contaminated with GE material," said Ms Kedgley.

ENDS

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