Wednesday May 29, 2002
Soil & Health Slams Government Decision to Import Australian Tomatoes
The Soil & Health Association today condemns the decision by the government to allow unfettered importation of Australian
tomatoes.
"There are three issues at stake," said the Association¹s Director, Dr Meriel Watts.
"Of first importance is the health of NZ consumers. These Australian tomatoes are treated with a very toxic
organophosphate insecticide called dimethoate. In small quantities it can severely affect the nervous system, damage the
immune system, and cause reproductive problems. Ingestion of any amount should be avoided. You cannot wash this
insecticide off, it permeates the tomato. Responsible shop owners should label their Australian tomatoes so that
consumers can avoid them."
"Secondly, importing these tomatoes when we don¹t need them creates yet another biosecurity risk this time of fruit
fly at a time when the government is still aerial spraying Auckland to get rid of the other Australian import, the
Painted Apple Moth".
"Thirdly, as New Zealanders, we should be supporting our own growers who struggle to compete against the cheap
Australian contaminated imports. Buy local and help keep our own growers in business. They do not dip their tomatoes in
dimethoate."
Meriel Watts, PhD Director Soil & Health Association of NZ Inc