April 13, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority is investigating the University of Otago Christchurch School of Medicine, where researchers may have been developing genetically modified organisms without legal approval.
Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996, anyone who wishes to develop, field test or release a genetically modified organism requires the approval of the Authority. The situation has been reported to the Authority by the University's Institutional Biological Safety Committee, which has delegated powers to approve GM research in the University's laboratories.
ERMA New Zealand Acting Chief Executive, Dr. Donald Hannah, said that the Authority regarded the issue as serious.
"We have received a report which indicates that there may have been a breach of the approval process under the HSNO Act. We are currently investigating the situation to determine exactly what has happened and to identify what further action may be required.
We understand that the research involved the use of e.coli bacteria and DNA material from a number of native species. It apparently involved the creation of a DNA library and was aimed at improving scientific understanding of the evolutionary process of genes that make proteins in certain animal species.
Our main concern is that work may have been going on without approval, not that there has been a breach of containment."
Dr Hannah understands that the genetic material was being developed in a controlled research laboratory, operating under containment standards set by MAF.
"At this stage, the University of Otago has stopped the research work and we have required that that situation is maintained while the investigation is carried out. We have also asked the University to secure the material in the research facility. There appears to be no evidence of any escape of GM material."
Dr Hannah advised that the Authority has revoked the delegation to the University of Otago Institutional Biological Safety Committee, while the investigation is carried out. The Minister for the Environment has also been formally advised.
He said that the Authority would not be in a position to advise on any further steps it might take until it completes its investigation, over the next few weeks.
For further information contact:
| Dr. Donald Hannah Acting CEO Ph. 04 473 8426 |
Karen Cronin Communications Manager 04 918 4826 |