April 17, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has found more GM research that may breach the approval provisions of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.
Last week the Authority said it was investigating GM research by scientists at the University of Otago Christchurch School of Medicine, using e.coli bacteria and DNA from native species.
Following that report, ERMA New Zealand began a nationwide check of research institutions, including crown research institutes, universities and private research laboratories, to see if any other non approved GM research is going on.
Responses have started to come in. It has now found that there may be possible unauthorised GM developments at the Landcare Mt Albert research centre in Auckland.
Acting CEO, Donald Hannah, said the Authority is extremely concerned to find that this work may have been going on without HSNO approval.
"The HSNO Act was put in place to ensure that all GM research, including developments, field tests or releases in New Zealand are assessed for impact on the environment and public health before they can go ahead. Anyone developing GMOs without HSNO approval is breaking the law."
Dr Hannah said the possible breaches at Mt Albert had been reported to the Authority by Landcare, following the request to research institutions from ERMA New Zealand last week.
"We are now checking out what developments were carried out at Landcare, when and with what approvals. The Authority will be asked to suspend the delegation to Landcare to make decisions on low risk GMOs. We are also continuing our check of all other research institutions."
Some 20 research institutions have delegated power to make decisions on low risk GMOs in containment. All other GM applications are considered by the Authority itself or the Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand.
For further information contact:
| Dr. Donald Hannah Acting CEO Tel: +64 4 473 8426 |
Karen Cronin Communications Manager Tel: +64 4 918 4826 |