Make a case to ERMA on GE onions, GE-Free NZ!
Claims that GE onions will have negative health effects should be submitted to the Environmental Risk Management
Authority (ERMA) along with the detailed scientific studies which support the assertions, the Chairman of the Life
Sciences Network, Dr William Rolleston, said today.
“ERMA has been specially established to examine the risks to human health posed by proposals to genetically engineer
plants. Opponents of the technology have the opportunity to make their case to ERMA and to present the science which
supports their allegations.
“The science quoted in their statement arguing for the application to be withdrawn is either very dated or quotes
studies which have been subsequently challenged. It will be interesting if new, more relevant, science can be presented
at the hearing.
“Rather than calling for the application for a field test to be withdrawn the appropriate thing to do is make your case
for approval not to be granted. Much of the information which will determine whether or not these onions become a
commercial reality will be determined by the field tests, that is what they are for,” concluded Dr Rolleston.